PREMIERE: Chymes explores dark subject matter in new single, ‘GITY’

Australian singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chymes has grown a very healthy fanbase since her 2016 debut, and it’s about to get a whole lot bigger.

‘GITY’, produced by Cameron Taylor, is about trying to be everything for someone. Listeners are lured into the musician’s intimate world through the application of delicate yet powerful vocals.

“Trying to show someone you can be there, look after them, give them whatever they need… maybe it’s not the best thing.

“The song is kind of like a plea for help. When you’re holding on, waiting for someone to let you in but you’re just giving yourself away to someone who won’t let you get close to them", explains Chymes.

Opening with an entrancing vocal melody, Chymes delivers a unique brand of electronic-pop with ‘GITY’. The track is also infused with intimate lyrics which are juxtaposed with playful, flirtatious beats.

After receiving considerable radio attention and supporting the likes of Austen and Winston Surfshirt, there’s no doubt 2020 is going to be a pivotal year in Chymes already flourishing career.

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Fan of The Presets…

When you look at the past 15 years of Australian music, there are few artists who have been able to consistently produce quality songs that still receive an immeasurable roar from the crowd when they’re played live. However, The Presets have shown time and time again they’re in it for the long run. Since lighting up the world with their chart-topping LP Apocalypso in 2008 which included the mammoth hit single ‘My People’, Julian Hamilton (vocals, keyboards) and Kim Moyes (drums, keyboards) of The Presets have won numerous ARIA awards and defined Australian dance music. Despite being featured in triple j’s Hottest 100 for well over a decade, the bona fide Aussie treasures still received number 75 in last year’s edition with their song produced with Golden Features, ‘Paradise’.

As Julian and Kim’s music continues to stand the test of time, we found five emerging acts from around the country who are showing promising production parallels.

Mani

Since his early days as a young DJ performing around the underground Byron Bay scene a mere eight years ago, Mani has come a long way. His sound has refined immensely, and his style has improved dramatically, specifically exhibited by his ability to blend genres into a mature listening experience. The artist’s new music maintains a sophisticated approach to techno in an attempt to take the listener on an uplifting journey through a portal into the unknown. Established and continuing to strive forward, Mani is beginning to turn heads and move bodies with his progressively innovative style of dance music. This is an artist for the late night.

Good Starting Tracks: Sour Minds, Dazed, Aum

Close Counters

From jazz piano to an electrifying fusion of electronic, house and soul… that’s the story of Tasmanians Allan McConnell and Finn Rees AKA Close Counters. The pair include a healthy dose of dense synths and driving basslines in their music, particularly in their first full-length project SOULACOASTA, a 12-track whirlwind ride through soul with no safety brakes. Since forming in 2013, Close Counters have honed their live shows into an energetic experience which includes violins, drums, and a heavy amount of synths. Catch these electro-funk lads at Splendour in the Grass in July.

Good Starting Tracks: BESPOKE, SOULACOASTA, FIRE DANCE

Luboku

In the rush of our modern world, Luboku asks listeners to consider their place in the universe, their kindness to one another, and this planet. The electronic musician, producer and multi-instrumentalist combines deep house and electronica to deliver mind-blowingly futuristic alt-pop bangers. Sounds of mid-2000s house, techno and electronica are heard in most of his songs, similar to those of early Cut Copy, The Presets and Midnight Juggernauts. After playing in both Australia and New Zealand over the past year, the artist has been honing his craft while writing nonstop. Expect big this from Luboku in 2020.

Good Starting Tracks: Lift Off, Without You, Forget

Briskey

Many artists start doing music for many different reasons, but for Briskey, it’s about wanting to make people feel the way he does when he listens to music. The 24-year-old Brisbane artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist knows exactly how to create an irresistible jam laced with silky-smooth vocals and sparkling pop sensibilities. Briskey’s debut single ‘Nothing to Lose’ is about his personal relationship with loneliness, directed at the girl he’ll eventually fall for. He says while themes of love and candid-musings cast shadows on his world of hazy-pop, it’s almost inevitable that there will always be a ray sunshine filtering through the cracks.

Good Starting Track: Nothing to Lose

Friendless

Full disclosure: Friendless is a client of Good Intent… so if you believe that impacts this review, give his music a listen to form your own opinions. For those of you happy to look past the slight bias, get ready for the floor-shaking artist that is Friendless. The Sydney-based artist has an undeniably catchy style which often includes thumping bass and robust beats, textured with authoritative vocal lines. His most recent single, ‘BOMP’, continuously shifts between inviting builds and ground-breaking choruses, flaunting trademark club music with a fresh twist. Since previously supporting Pnau, Duke Dumont, Shiba San and Justin Martin, Friendless will be performing two launch parties at Manly Wharf Hotel on January 25, and Taylor’s Rooftop in Sydney on February 15. Get around it!

Good Starting Tracks: BOMP, Crazy, Robots - Bart B More

PREMIERE: MY CHÉRIE FLAUNTS HER IMMENSE MUSICAL TALENT ON NEW SINGLE, ‘HOW THE STORY GOES’

After recently releasing the first track from her forthcoming six-track EP, My Chérie is treating us with another phenomenal single, ‘How the Story Goes’.

The tune conveys the musician’s powerful vocals in a seemingly light-hearted, emotive tone. It features a soaring chorus, lofi verses, some rap vocals and ambient electric guitar.

‘How the Story Goes’ is a new take on a tale as old as time; clinging to a relationship which has lost its spark, the artist says.

By collaborating with Adelaide-based producer Michael Carver for the new single and EP, My Chérie captivates the listener with a newfound style.

If you’d like to experience this angelic musician in the flesh, My Chérie is launching her EP this Friday night at Adelaide’s The Jade.

My darling, we cannot wait to hear more.

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Billie Eilish Fan…

From Soundcloud to Coachella… the rise of 18-year-old icon Billie Eilish has been phenomenal. Since uploading ‘Ocean Eyes’ to the internet in 2016, the Los Angeles-based artist has come a long way. She released the single ‘Bored’ in 2017 (which was included in the first season of Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why), her debut EP Don’t Smile At Me later that year, and her monumental debut album When We Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? last year, which won her FIVE Grammy awards. With close to 1.2 billion streams on Spotify, I think we can all agree there aren’t many places you won’t hear the musician’s banger, ‘Bad Guy’. And if the song wasn’t cool enough already, it was also revealed in an interview with Rolling Stone late last year that Australia’s Pedestrian Crossing sound drives the beat of ‘Bad Guy’s chorus.

With the teenage pop star topping Triple J’s Hottest 100 2019, we decided to find five emerging Australian musicians who have the same ‘bad guy’ style.

Isabel Wood

If you love the soothing vocals, vulnerable lyrics and infectious melodies of Billie Eilish, look no further than Isabel Wood. The alternative pop artist from the Sunshine Coast creates a sonically compelling experience that is every bit as therapeutic as it is irresistible in every one of her songs. Her most recent single ‘Ghost 3am’ received radio airplay across the country and played a huge role in getting the artist added to the Caloundra Music Festival in 2019. Expect some singles from Wood in 2020 that are sure to tear you apart and piece you back together again.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Ghost 3am’, ‘Sunburn’, ‘Trippin’ Over Backwards’

Eluera

This musician knows exactly how to make a pop-hit that explores dark subject matter such as toxic relationships. After working tirelessly to perfect her sound, Eluera released her beautiful single ‘Good When We Fight – Alt Version’ in December last year. The honest track co-written, produced and mixed by Dylan Nash (Dean Lewis, Shannen James) describes a turbulent time of endless fighting and forgiving. However, Eluera balances the melancholic tone with a somewhat fun chorus: “Why do you have to look so good when we fight?”. Get this girl in your playlists ASAP.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Good When We Fight – Alt Version’, ‘Blackout (The Comedown)’, ‘HIM’

Bel

Bel consistently utilises crisp production within her music to maintain a unique and exotic allure. The Melbourne-based artist is assertive in her message, rejecting genre conventions to exist as an amalgamation of art, music, creative direction and fashion. Her song ‘Better Than Me’ is a hypnotizing affair which perfectly encapsulates sonic warmth; an effort meant to be consumed through all the senses. Unlike many artists in today’s industry, Bel wants you to walk, sweat, move, cry, listen, learn and evolve beside her. If you want music with the same versatility as that of Billie Eilish, Bel is the artist for you.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Better Than Me’, ‘Melancholia’, ‘Own Home’

Jade Alice

Jade Alice has the ability to extract feelings of innocence and nostalgia that bleed through and coat your glasses with a rose tint. Melbourne’s electro pop singer/songwriter/producer effectively combines lush vocal layers, honey toned melodies and huge drum sounds to create belter after belter. Since its release in November last year, her pulsing pop hit ‘Pretty Cool’ has racked up nearly 50,000 streams on Spotify and placements in over 1000 Spotify playlists. Alice has featured on many radio stations, TV programs, magazines, newspapers, blogs, and was even shortlisted in the top 15 to represent Australia for Eurovision. You don’t want to miss this artist!

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Pretty Cool’, ‘Work This Out’, ‘Kintsugi’

Maddie Cooper

While she may not have started writing music as young as Billie Eilish, Maddie Cooper has proven you don’t need to be the same age as the megastar to have the same style. The emotively tender performer seamlessly combines poetic folk with electronic pop and has just released her debut single, ‘Plant Song’. The track is a heartbreaking take on ghosting… hidden by the metaphor of a forgotten houseplant. Cooper’s live presence accurately depicts pop finesse through juxtaposing luscious harmonies with dirty bass lines. So, whip out your dancing shoes and prepare to be uplifted by the artist’s vibrant flair.

Good Starting Track: ‘Plant Song’

PREMIERE: JUNIE’s Debut Single Oozes Assurance and Integrity

If you’re a Bootleg Rascal fan, get ready for JUNIE.

JUNIE, the solo project of Bootleg Rascal’s frontman Carlos Lara, will release his raunchy debut single tomorrow, ‘Exercise’.

The smooth tune, produced and mixed by the Sydney-based artist himself and mastered by long-time collaborator Ian Pritchett (Boo Seeka, Kim Churchill, Angus and Julia Stone), is a melting pot of RnB, reggae, pop and soul.

"'Exercise' is a very different sound to Bootleg Rascal," says the multi-instrumentalist.

"Rather than the usual collaborative process I have with Jim, it's just me behind the writing and production on this project.

“Anyone can obsess over certain emotions especially with people you like… This song is a sneak peek into some of those moments for me,” Lara explains.

Lara says the new project aims to take listeners back to the early 2000’s, where artists weren’t as scared to sing about love and how they feel.

“I like being corny, I like being romantic, I hope that comes through in the music”.

In the short time since launching the project, JUNIE has already performed alongside a slew of exciting emerging artists like Down For Tomorrow, A.GIRL, Nelipot, PLGRMS and Wolfjay.

While the accompanying music video for ‘Exercise’ is set to release in the coming weeks, many more JUNIE songs are set to release in the coming months.

Five Artists You’ll Love If You’re A Post Malone Fan…

Face tattoos, messy hair, and Bud Light Beer… all things associated with America’s favourite rapping rhinestone cowboy, Post Malone.

Since getting his alias from an online rap-name generator and uploading ‘White Iverson’ to Soundcloud in 2015, he’s become one of the most popular musicians’ in the world. The New York-born, Dallas-raised rapper also known as Austin Richard Post has held two annual Posty Fest’s… a music festival that has included the likes of Tyler, The Creator, Travis Scott, Meek Mill, Pharrell Williams, Rae Sremmurd, Jaden Smith, Doja Cat, and Lil Skies. To top this all off, he was recently dubbed Spotify’s most-streamed male artist of 2019.

As Posty continues to dominate the charts and tour the world, it’s time to look at five “ballin’” Australian artists following in the Texan’s musical footsteps.

Coast & Ocean

“Coasty” perfectly captures the Aussie sun, sand and surf in every one of his songs whilst maintaining an upbeat mood. Coast & Ocean recently joined forces with Minimal Miggy to create the tasty tune, ‘Peaches n Cream’. The track experiments with raspy, chill melodies and fast-paced auto-tuned rap verses. After a massive European tour, the artist says ‘Peaches n Cream’ became a live show staple and fans demanded the song to be officially released. As he tours New Zealand with Alice Hills, there’s a rumour that Coast & Ocean will return to Australia for the first time in 2 years for a national tour and sophomore EP in 2020… stay tuned, this artist is a sound to behold.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Peaches n Cream’, ‘Lindsay Lohan’, ‘Diaz Gone’

Tasman Keith

If you are searching for authentic, barrier-breaking music, Tasman Keith is the artist for you. As the son of hip-hop pioneer Wire MC, Tasman takes creative risks that most artists wouldn't dare try. The release of his 2019 single ‘move up’ led to appearances at festivals such as St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival (NSW), Groovin’ the Moo (NSW), Bass in the Grass (NT), St Kilda Festival (VIC) along as a support slot with powerhouse group Haiku Hands’ latest national tour. While last year proved to be monumental for the artist, 2020 will see Tasman venture into ground-breaking sounds that will cement him as the future face and voice of Australian hip-hop.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘move up’, ‘Billy Bad Again’, ‘Mission Famous’

Agung Mango

Agung Mango’s sound is even sweeter than his name. Hailing from the Western suburbs of Melbourne, the 22-year-old basketballer-turned-musician is certainly no novice when it comes creating spicy tunes and performing explosive live shows. The rapper influenced by experimental hip hop, alternative RnB, indie rock, and spoken word brings a refreshingly versatile style of music. As Agung Mango continues to release banger after banger, there’s no doubt his new track ‘Rodent’ will come to fruition. With a cult-like following, this is an artist impossible to ignore.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘RODENT’, ‘Growing’, ‘HOME N AWAY’

Boler Mani

After playing at BIGSOUND in 2019 and opening for Carmoflauge Rose, teenage sensation Boler Mani has his sights set on creating big tracks in 2020. The Mornington Peninsula rapper/producer makes his music at home to ensure every song is perfectly precise and is constantly pushing the standards of what it means to be an Australian hip-hop artist. Escapism and nostalgia are common themes within his songs, especially his most recent release, ‘exit’. Kicking off the year with a strong performance at NYE on the Hill, the mature musician has proved he’s not messing around. Boler Mani is constantly evolving and we can’t wait to hear more.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘exit’, ‘cost’, ‘applause’

iiiConic

Ghana-born Brisbane-based rapper iiiConic has been writing, recording and producing music for a number of years, but 2019 turned him into one of the most promising rap names in the game. His excitingly eclectic new-wave sound isn’t like anything you’ve ever heard before and has gained colossal global traction online, appearing on many official Spotify and Apple Music playlists. His tightly-knit fanbase has grown considerably over the years, particularly after headlining Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Big Top Luna Park in Sydney, touring two states with Goodlife Presents, and supporting international star Tyga at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall. Remember the name of this future icon.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Whip’, ‘Evil On The Inside’, ‘Needs’

PREMIERE: Joy in Motion fight an uphill battle in new beat-driven single, ‘Casual Enemy’

Joy in Motion

Brisbane-based four-piece Joy in Motion have started the new decade with a bang.

After opening Brisbane’s Good Things Festival, their confidence is at an all-time high with the release of their third single, ‘Casual Enemy’.

Joy in Motion consists of Jake Solway (vocals), Carly Sinn (drums), Joshua Wessling (bass) and Jesse Simo-swer (guitar). After forming in 2016, the band dropped their debut EP Falling Out in 2017, put their melancholic single ‘Off by Heart’ out in 2018, and haven’t looked back. They’ve since toured the east coast and supported some huge international acts including Young Lions, Real Friends (US), Tonight Alive, Slaves (US), Never Shout Never (US), The Dangerous Summer (US) and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (US).

Joining forces with ARIA-nominated record producer Stuart Stuart, the song maintains musical complexity whilst experimenting with an effective beat-driven style of production. Dominant lyricism can be heard throughout the tune, but it’s the final 45 seconds take the listener to a completely new level of empowerment.

The phenomenal pop-rock anthem describes a fallout between two friends.

"[Casual Enemy was written] in the aftermath of a big fight and I’m not a confrontational sort of guy, so a lot of things I wanted to get out made their way into the song," explains Solway.

Music cinematographer Andrew Vaughan narrates the uphill battle of chasing respect after being walked over in the ‘Casual Enemy’ music video, using boxing as the perfect metaphor.

To top this all off, the band have recently announced they’ll be joining Hybrid Theory’s Brisbane show next week.

If ‘Casual Enemy’ is anything to go by, 2020 is going to be a massive year for Joy in Motion.

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 31 JAN 2020

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.     ‘Vicarious’ – Grizzly Shark

Grizzly Shark effortlessly blend hardcore riffs and poppy melodies in their new fun-loving single, ‘Vicarious’.

The rock tune flawlessly demonstrates urgency, punchiness, and most of all… infectiousness. There additionally seems to be a heavy ‘90s rock influence present, and we’re all for it.

Paired with a music video that parodies the classic Australian morning show Cheez TV, the single is the first offering from their forthcoming EP recorded with Australian producer Troy Brady.

The hardcore riffs and poppy melodies of ‘Game Over’ landed the gang onto The Faction’s Hardest 100 in 2018, and it’s only been uphill since. The Brisbane four-piece have garnered a very healthy fanbase over the years and, to celebrate the release, will be playing a few live shows in coming months.

2020 looks to be a huge year for the boys, and they’re only just getting started.

2.     ‘Clicker’ – Rivilin

Brisbane based rapper Rivilin has unveiled a dark and progressive brand of alternative rap with ‘Clicker’.

His previous release ‘Neuroscience’ received an overwhelmingly positive response, and ‘Clicker’ won’t be any different. There’s no doubt the single is a considerably powerful effort that maintains a confronting mood from start to finish.

The musician started his musical journey by playing in hardcore bands and working as a promoter before focusing on writing and releasing his own music. He’s since accumulated a large number of songs under his belt and is showing no signs of slowing down.

After releasing the album ‘Nobody’  last year, Rivilin has wasted no time in recording the next one, as ratrose is set to release February 21.

3.     ‘The Feels’ – Sonny

Sonny AKA Xavier Bacash has us all in our feels with his new eclectic single, ‘The Feels’.

The Australian-born, Copenhagen-based artist drew a lot of inspiration from Danish culture for the song.

Released via Northern Underground Records (Sonny’s own label) the track includes a remarkable sonic landscape defined in precision-cut sounds and rhythmic house. There’s a seamlessly wrapped rhythm present, enabling striking analogue synths and warm percussive vocal riffs to take centre stage.

The forward-focused tune also comes with the announcement that his forthcoming debut album, Union: Integration Of The Shadow, will be released April 24.

From the sun-soaked shores of Australia to the chillier and often darker backdrops of Northern Europe, Sonny’s influences allow him to present a fresh style of music.

The first taste of Sonny’s debut LP has not disappointed.

4.     ‘Shiver’ – Starve

Starve exemplify pure musical brutality in their first hard-hitting single of 2020, ‘Shiver’.

The song contains considerably dark underlying themes amongst the chaotic maze of angry riffs, scathing vocals and static sounds.

Starve say the track is about feeling disconnected from yourself, falling into toxic patterns and being unable to remove yourself from those unhealthy situations.

Vocalist Jordan Dunbar explains: "Even when your instincts are telling you no, you're still too afraid to do anything, and ultimately end up blaming yourself for your own depression."

Dunbar says the band aims to deliver something different that people can relate to.
"Our music comes from experiences and feelings that we take and turn into the manic, angry and intense sound that we pride ourselves on," he adds.
After opening for Stray From The Path alongside Kublai Khan TX and Deadlights, the Melbourne four-piece have confirmed they’ll be unleashing the new single live at Melbourne and Adelaide’s AM//PM nights in early February.

5.     ‘Till the Day I Die’ – The Bambuseae Rhythm Section [words by Nick Wasiliev]

The Bambuseae Rhythm Section are back once again with their second single, ‘Till the Day I Die.’

The six-piece groove-based band hailing from Fremantle first turned heads with their winning debut track ‘Slinky Begonia’, a track that showcased a fusion of groove, jazz, rock and funk in a style reminiscent of bands like The Cat Empire.

Their sophomore effort is a bit more nocturnal and sensual. This is a track that is all about vibe, launching into a hypnotic soundscape. The sentiment is echoed in vocals about smoking joints and riding the relaxed feeling.

However, once the chorus hits, the track sees the band bring out their old school rock’n’roll side, with proclamations about ‘loving you till the day I die’, glorious guitar tones, and of course, amazing jazz trumpets to complete the vibe.

This track is glorious, pure and simple. It plays harder than their first track, but with this effort The Bambuseae Rhythm Section show that their already diverse palate has more range than we first thought, and that sure bodes well for whatever comes next!

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 24 JAN 2020

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.     ‘Wet Bikini’ - The Double Happiness

Surf-pop indie outfit The Double Happiness dropped a fascinating single to kick off the decade. A unique four-piece comprised of two couples from Brisvegas, what is even more surprising is their music!

‘Wet Bikini’ begins with brooding drums, and reverb-heavy, glorious guitar. Pulling from sounds directly inspired from the likes of surf rock prodigies Beach Boys, this track comes with a more psychedelic edge, and is a brooding, glorious track filled with so much atmosphere.

This is a highly recommended track that doesn’t outstay it’s welcome, with a hypnotic groove that will stick with you for a while. This track is like a surprisingly spooky day at the beach, and is a hell of a lot of fun!

2.    ‘José Mourinho’ - Fourth Place

Melbourne based hip-hop duo Fourth Place are back with a brand new track, ‘José Mourinho.’ These guys are doing some really interesting things with hip-hop, building up songs from really simple musical elements to deliver hip-hop gems with outstanding flow.

Their latest cut is a bombastic affair. Launching with a really synth line, the duo build the track up and up, adding kick drums and synth bass to hit it home hard on the chorus. Even more interesting is their lyrics covering their ambition in the music industry. When your sights are set this high, you kind of have to make a song about it.

While multiple EPs, singles and shows under their belt in 2019, this year will look to be a belter for this outfit.

3.    ‘Crystallised’ - Autumn’s Passage

An indie-pop outfit from South Australia, Autumn’s Passage have hit the ground running in 2020, with a record already out this month. One of their heavier pop elements is the guitar-heavy track, ‘Crystallised.’

Kicking on with heavy bass and warm guitar, the track builds and builds from intimate indie pop into an almost orchestral gem, like it is being performed in a massive stadium.

This is perfectly formed, tightly constructed, and melodically rich pop. A really great song if you love and value songs with groove, atmosphere and that showcase intense vulnerability. Check out this track, and their album; it’s a gem!

4.    ‘Serenity Now’ - Dip Road Dogs

Eclectic rock outfit Dip Road Dogs are back with their second single, and this song is a track with attitude and a glorious soundscape ripped straight from the Tame Impala and The Flaming Lips playbook.

‘Serenity Now’ is a stonker, with gloriously distorted guitar and a building drum that makes you feel like you are driving down a dusty, foreboding highway. The addition of gorgeous piano chords fills out the space and hits you with some fantastic old-school rock vibes. It’s a cross between a country-tinged rock gem and the new psychedelic sound coming out of Australia right now.

This band is highly recommended, with their first track ‘Labour Day’ also being released to great acclaim. You should be watching these guys in 2020.

5. ‘The Iundation into Our Room’ - A Country Practise

Last, we have a bizarre, synth heavy, quirky piece of electrofolk-pop from Brisbane outfit, A Country Practise. Similarly psychedelic, this outfit’s latest track is an aloof, surreal musical experience.

Another slow-burning experience, synths pulse through the song on top of beautifully plucked guitar and mandolin, with very aloof, yet slightly dark lyrics. It’s a very surreal piece of music that plays almost like a folk song, but it’s blending of genres works so well.

These guys look to have master a sound that is thoroughly unique, and we highly recommend you keep an eye on them going forward.

PREMIERE: Alternative rapper Rivilin debuts traumatic single, 'neuroscience'

It’s been a crazy couple of years for Brisbane-based alternative rapper Rivilin.  

Started out his musical journey playing in hardcore bands and working as a promoter around Brisbane, since turning to alternative rap the artist has gone from strength to strength, releasing cuts filled with personality and striking imagery.

2019 saw the artist release an unbelievable 23 singles, two EPs and a debut record ‘Nobody’, which earned considerable praise for it’s alternative sound, resonant themes, and fantastic, captivating performances by Rivilin on the mic.

However, this new track ‘neuroscience’, the first of his upcoming album ‘ratrose’ sees Rivilin head into much darker territory, being written shortly after Rivilin was in a terrible car accident. Opening with a unsettling keyboard riff that plays over and over and over, the feeling of unsettling terror is palpable. However, once Rivilin pops into the track and starts singing in a dead-pan voice, percussion introduces itself to give a feeling of being locked into something. You feeling like you are sitting on the hospital bed with Rivilin, living this moment over and over and over.

Rivilin really adds a lot of detail to the track, talking about hundreds of messages being left on this phone, feeling his broken bones and seeing everyone at the ‘end of this, again, again.’ The fact his lyrics even start to repeat themselves makes it even more palpable, making you wonder how long he has actually been here.

This is a fantastic track, something that pulls from other amazing alternative rappers like 360 and Kid Cudi, but what is a the biggest achievement of this track is that Rivilin nails the sense of place. You are there with him, every step of the way. For an artist to do that so convincingly it bodes well for what Rivilin has in store around the corner.

With a follow up record and multiple shows in the works, this is an artist you’re going to want to start paying attention to in 2020!

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 17 JAN 2020

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.     ‘Hickeys’ - Saint Lane

Gold Coast-based rapper Saint Lane has kicked off the decade with a smooth, groovy and sensual tune, ‘Hickeys.’ After hitting it big with several singles in 2019, the groove rock-inspired style Lane brings to his tracks continues with this latest serving. With an upcoming solo tour and supporting tour with Bootleg Rascal, the rapper is sure kicking off this decade in style. 

‘Hickeys’ is certainly pleasant on the ears, with colourful guitar and an easygoing swagger in the percussion, however lyrically there is a lot more going on than first impressions might seem.

“Hickeys is about moving in circles,” explains Lane. “Working the same job, going to the same bars and seeing the same people every weekend. Getting caught in the loop and wanting to break free. Seeing some people around you break that loop and seeing some people stay in it.”

It’s gorgeous, it’s multi-faceted, and it’s fun. Get on it!

2.    ‘Slinky Begonia’ - The Bambuesae Rhythm Section

From glorious Fremantle, six-piece groove-rock band The Bambuesae Rhythm Section are ripped straight out of The Cat Empire playbook. This band are all about the groove, blues and unashamble funk, and that has carried through on their debut song ‘Slinky Begonia.’

They are also set to tour throughout their home state in late January and early February, coincidentally also supporting Bootleg Rascal. However, if ‘Slinky Begonia’ is anything to go by, they’ll soon be headlining their own shows! This is a tune to get you dancing hard, with fantastic trumpets, synths and the fantastic eponymous rhythm section making the proceedings feel like it has been pulled straight from the Eighties, but with a ska edge to it. 

Keep an ear out especially for the fun trumpet and guitar solo, it’s a riot!

3.    ‘EZ’ - Jamie Lane

Experimental electronic artist Jamie Lane has returned in style, coming off the back of a great 2019 to deliver his most danceable hit so far, ‘EZ.’

Pulling from the sounds of electro-house, Lane delivers a song heavy in groove, warm bass and tight percussion. However, while the track seems simplistic, it nails the sound so well that it becomes utterly hypnotic for the listener. 

Lane explains: “The lyrics are about the anxiety of being unable to establish a true connection with someone you have feelings for due to a sense of detachment in the moment. The heavier lyrical content is intentionally juxtaposed with an upbeat and ‘in the moment’ dance style, with a heavy emphasis on the aesthetics of timbre and percussion to convey a sense of atmosphere.”

4.    ‘Better Than Me’ - Bel

Melbourne-based artist Bel is back for the first time in two years, and has delivered a monster track with ‘Better Than Me.’

Bel is an artist that strives for real and authentic sounds and feelings, with no veil to hide imperfections. Instead, Bel celebrates them, unashamed and unwilling to compromise in her approach. The result is a track that feels gargantuan, both in it’s emotions and explosive production. Opening with a beautiful, but quiet soundscape, as Bel becomes more emotional heavy organs introduce themselves into an explosive, heavy chorus that feels like it’s being performing in a stadium. It’s a volcanic, unsettling tune, and feels undeniably real.

Be sure to keep your eye on what this pop artist has in store. This latest offering is heavy as hell and unbelievably compelling. Highly recommended!

5. ‘Bass Jumpin’ - Arno Faraji

“I make beats and sometimes rap to them.”

Arno Faraji describes himself as such, and honestly, the dude sells himself short. His new hit ‘Bass Jumpin’ is something quick-witted and impossible-to-hold-down. A track that feels like someone ten years his senior should be delivering, this Perth-based, Zimbabwe-born rapper from the Soundcloud scene delivers some hot fire across this track. The production is all fundamentals, pulling from a variety of places, especially the rap scene of the American West Coast. However, Faraji makes it completely his own. This is a rapper hungry to take on the world, and win. 

“Bass Jumpin' is about battling your demons (whatever they are) even when things seem crazy and making opportunities instead of waiting for them!” explains Faraji.

Not going to lie, maturity like that is more than welcome here. We cannot wait to see what this artist does next.

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 10 JAN 2020

Happy New Year! And with a new year comes new music! We’re back!

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.     ‘Gates Of Hell’ - Antagonist A.D

Kicking off the year, we’re diving straight into the latest release from heavy metal screamo band, Antagonist A.D.

Opening with apocalyptic riffs, ‘Gates of Hell’ is a gloriously raging song, filled with roaring, dejected vocals and musical performances so tight it feels like a pin-prick. The musical chemistry between the band is twisted in all the right ways, and the musicianship is something to behold.

If heavy metal and thrash metal is your cup of tea, this band look to have something special about them: there’s a lot of rage in this track, with gloriously dark tones that are utterly ghoulish, but fantastic.

2.   ‘The Way You Move’ - Victoria Altern

From one extreme to another, the new release from Melbourne-based South African electronic artist Victoria Altern is a real smooth, fun piece of EDM.

Filled with loads of live instrumentation that made the likes of Daft Punk’s latest releases so enjoyable, ‘The Way You Move’ sees Altern delivers a glorious electronic gem; pulling heavily from the dance and disco sounds of the Eighties and Nineties.

While a track like that may run the risk of feeling somewhat pastiche, Altern’s songwriting chops more than makes up for it, and she interprets the sound completely as her own. A strong recommendation.

3.    ‘Light in the Lie’ - Steve Cousins

Based in the Gippsland area of Victoria, Steve Cousins has been grabbing a lot of attention for his stripped-back approach to pop.

His latest release, ‘Light in the Lie,’ sees him pulling clearly his influences like Matt Corby, the Jungle Giants and Tash Sultana, with fun scratchy production and a smooth groove built around guitar and kick-drum.

This is a fun summer tune, and one that sounds it’ll be a ripper to perform live. Can’t wait to see what this dude does next!

4.    ‘Doppelganger’ - Crust

This garage outfit have just dropped a killer EP, and their low-key intro to it sounds like a cross between The Doors and The White Stripes.

The song is amazing because it is pure fundamentals, good old school rock and roll. The track is a hell of a lot of fun, and when it explodes into these gargantuan choruses and instrumentals it hits the listener with a feeling of satisfying euphoria. You’re going to want to pay attention to this band. 

They are celebrating their new EP with a launch tonight, so be sure to get along to it! 

5. ‘Bias’ ft. Chux - Five Coffees

Finally, bringing our first Good Friday of the decade to a close is Sydney hip-hop outfit Five Coffees, with their latest release featuring Chux. I say hip-hop, but the track is more a gorgeous blend of hip-hop, soul, funk and jazz. This is something fans of bands like The Cat Empire will lap up like crazy.

There are glorious guitars that permeate throughout the track, and synths on the chorus give it so much colour. This is a track that sounds like it’s having so much fun - and we haven’t even got to the saxophone solo that closes this track out.

If you know anyone who thinks hip-hop can’t blend with other genres, direct them to this succulent example. This track is so damn fun!

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 13 DEC 2019

Good Friday: The feature series that shines a light on our favourite new releases from around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. All good things must sadly come to an end, and 2019 has been a beauty when it comes to the emergence of new artists. However, we’ve saved some of the slickest new tunes for last, so be sure to check out these exciting acts releasing music this silly season!

1.     ‘I’ll Believe It’ - Georgia Marley

We start with one of the smoothest tracks to come out of indie pop this year, from a blossoming Western Sydney Indie-pop artist named Georgia Marley. 

With appearances at The Plot Festival and working with the likes of Antonia Gauci (Kesha), Marley has already been turning some heads before she started to release music this year. 

Her debut single, ‘I Hope This Feeling Doesn’t Last’, which received acclaim from fans on triple j unearthed, however Georgia has struck gold with this gorgeous follow up. Looping guitars over one another, Georgia creates a smooth, silky atmosphere, and when the drums introduce themselves with backing vocals and subtle synths, the track becomes a sickly sweet affair, as Marley repeats the mantra ‘I’ll believe it when it see it.’

A must for any indie pop fan, here is someone you want to pay attention to.

2.     ‘Surf’s Up on the Galactic Tide’ - Slugpünch

Pulled straight from the old-school mindset of The Hives and AC/DC,  this rock metal group from Sydney’s inner west is a new discovery for any rock metal fan.

Their debut single, ‘Surf’s Up on the Galactic Tide’ sums everything up about this band: they rock hard, strong, and are utterly batshit insane. However, you cannot deny the awesomeness of what they’re reaching for. 

Opening with a dirty riff and vocal samples, the band explodes into a roaring chorus with glorious harmonies and a hell of swagger. This is a stonking rock track that is completely out of its mind, in all the right ways. Karnivool fans, you’ll want to get on this!

2020 is the band’s self-proclaimed ‘Year of the Slug’, and they’ll go far if this track is the first indication.

3.    ‘Slow Crawl’ - Doolie

A slick, indie electronic R&B artist from the Sunshine Coast, DOOLIE has been having a breakout 2019. Since teaming up with in-demand producer GXNXVS (Lastlings, Banoffee, OKBADLANDS), this collaboration has yielded several highly addictive singles.

However, this final effort of the year may just been DOOLIE’s best of her career so far. Collaborating with Cam Nacson, the track starks with simple kickdrums, but then DOOLIE hits a whole new level of slick on the chorus, with punchy synths and vocoder backing vocals making this track crackle with a nervous energy. 

Slow Crawl’ is “a very empowering song,” expresses DOOLIE. “It’s about one person breaking free from a relationship while their partner slowly realises how they’ve hurt them.”

“I feel like a lot of us allow ourselves to be treated like trash to make another person more comfortable, so this is a song for all of us.”

It’s a more low-key track, but one that has a great sense of soundscape. Those who love the sounds of artists like Running Touch will enjoy this latest offering.

4.     ‘Time Won’t Wait’ - In Eyes

A new punk rock prodigy from Queensland, three-piece In Eyes has been having a breakout couple of years with their fresh take on the punk formula. 

They are finishing the decade in some style with this emotional cut. Within all the pulsing, angsty drums and guitars of the track, the message delivered tells a story of lead singer Rosie Jacobson’s experience with trying to fight for her passion while faced with mental illness.

This latest effort from In Eyes is a glorious display on punk rock goodness, and a perfect gift for indie-punk rock fans this holiday season.

With more music scheduled in 2020, expect big things from this outfit!

5. ‘Hungry for Love’ - Chasing Giants

Finally, genre-jumping indie artists Chasing Giants are back with their first single of 2019, bouncing back after multiple lineup changes and their fun debut EP, ‘Dangerous.’ 

The four-piece have long been turning heads for their many unique approaches to music and their collaborations with multiple vocalists and artists, however their latest alternative effort sees them at their most angsty and unsettled.

You feel the desire on ‘Hungry for Love’, with some gloriously performed vocals, filled with personality. A smooth, groovy alternative track, it really gets going in it’s chorus with cheesy, fun harmonies, finger snaps, and subtle electric guitar and synths. 

Chasing Giants are pulling from the cheesiness of the Eighties, but what they deliver is so much fun! This is a track filled with personality, attitude, and you can tell the band had a great time making it. A song and band very much worth your time, especially if you love alternative rock. 

Tickets are selling fast for their single launch this weekend at Sydney’s The Vanguard, so be sure to get on it!

PREMIERE: Circle release smooth, ambitious 'Another 69 Love Songs'

Enmore-based genre jumping duo Circle are back! 

With multiple records and an EP under their belt, as well as airplay across Australia and the US, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Circle might be resting on their laurels and sticking to what they know their audience likes. However, with their latest record, ‘Another 69 Love Songs’, they’ve done the exact opposite. 

Clocking in at over an hour and containing twenty-three pulsing tracks, the duo have delivered a smooth, low-key, but super ambitious musical statement on love. Ranging from deep and meaningful tracks around broken relationships and confusing love interests to aloof, abstract musical jigs, those looking for an in depth experience in their music will find much to enjoy here. 

The opener ‘Ladies Night’ sets the stage beautifully, with smooth, low-key bass and drums, with the lyrics telling a story about it being ladies night on a Wednesday night, and relaxed vocals that suggest the character in the song is almost happy about being here. This is a secret to the album here: each song serves as a vignette around the experience of love.

The track ‘Tinder’ is a guitar driven, groovy affair backed by trumpets, with fascinating lyrics about a character who almost views the eponymous app as a romantic love interest, opening their heart to other people out there. Similarly, the track ‘I’m Sorry Baby’ is also a notable highlight, with a jazz-like quality to the production and lyrics centering around a confusing breakup, backed by glorious horns and pretty background vocals. The songs feel like tinkered, playful tracks, fans of artists like Gotye would appreciate. 

However, what is most impressive is that when the production doesn’t take a more indepth approach, the band still work in an interesting angle with every track, even when it’s a simpler affair: ‘Your Last Thought’ begins with a gorgeous uke, however the song becomes much more sinister when you find out it’s sung from the viewpoint of a guy who is creeping on a girl going to bed through the window.

Other favourites of the album include ‘My Biography’ when the duo enlist a guitar and backing vocals to tell a very aloof story about how the narrator’s lover wrote his biography, but left out so much stuff, or the quirky, upbeat ‘The Lourve is Calling’, the most Gotye-inspired track of the bunch. 

This is a fun, quirky and sometimes overwhelming project about love. But, fans will be rewarded, because despite it’s seemingly overwhelming length, Circle manages to cover the emotion in all its complexity and range. To say this record is ambitious is an understatement, and really plays to the musical abilities of the duo. A compelling, engrossing listen!

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 6 DEC 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.     ‘Together’ - Waxflower

Brisbane’s spiciest pop-punk luminaries Waxflower are back with their latest track, ‘Together’.

The deeply personal third music instalment explores mental health and the controlling grip of one’s inner monologue.

Waxflower frontman Tristan says ‘Together’ is an important snapshot of a difficult period in my life.

“I needed that internal acknowledgment of what was happening to me… It's a kind of rally call to getting better by putting things into perspective,” he explains.

The hard-hitting band have spent most of 2019 touring with the likes of Sly Withers, Between You & Me, and The Dead Love, as well as local and interstate supports with The Maine and Stand Atlantic. They’re ending 2019 with a bang, announcing they’ll be supporting iconic US giants Simple Plan.

Produced and engineered by Stevie Knight (Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly, Between You & Me), mixed by James Paul Wisner (Dashboard Confessional, New Found Glory, Underoath), and mastered by Alan Douches (My Chemical Romance, A Day To Remember, State Champs), the painstakingly candid effort is one to remember.

Waxflower have brought a genuine perspective on alternative rock within ‘Together’, give it a listen today.

2.     ‘Tied You Up’ - MAYAH

MAYAH has dropped her second release 'Tied You Up', and it’s a special one.

Opening with a gloomy beat, the musician’s hypnotising vocals build the track to a head-banging chorus which can only be described as strikingly powerful.

The Cairns-born artist says the new track is about tying loose ends, be it relationships, friendships or situations.

“It comes from a place of self-assuredness and personal growth,” she says.

Through growing up with Lauryn Hill, Janet Jackson, TLC, Moby and Massive Attack, it’s no surprise MAYAH fuses R&B, hip hop and electronic sounds.

After taking a quick detour from music to study medicine, MAYAH has re-emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Her catchy debut single ‘Pray’ received an extremely positive response, and there’s no reason why it won’t be the same for ‘Tied You Up’. Bring on more songs and shows!

3.     ‘Insubordinate’ - alt.

Adelaide-based rock outfit alt. have unleashed their banging debut track ‘Insubordinate’.

Formerly known as After Change, the revamped band explore a completely different sound in the tune which is part of their forthcoming seven-track EP.

Vocalist Daniel Richards takes aim at the government in the track, voicing his stance on their inability to action a positive change towards a better future. He says the song tries to put encouragement out there to those who actually do care.

"For years our government has made decisions that negatively impact our country and planet and it's all based on their own greed, power and self-entitlement.

“Keep fighting it, keep standing up for what we believe in and protect our future,” Richards says.
alt. members Daniel Richards, Daniel Wells-Smith, Simon Aistrope, and Declan Fry know exactly how to create an addictive listen. The huge, flaunting riffs are bound to be stuck in your head before you know it.

After playing huge shows alongside Mayday Parade, Circa Survive, Hands Like Houses, We The Kings and The Getaway Plan, alt. plan on building their reputation in 2020 to leave their mark on Australia's alternative music community.

4.     ‘21 Orbits’ - Taka Perry

The 20-year-old music producer and multi-instrumentalist Taka Perry has released a diverse new tune, ’21 Orbits’.

The track started as a simple idea in the studio which evolved into an all-rounded musical banger. It captures what it is to be young and how it feels to be developing your own identity… without caring about others.

“I’d taken the idea as far as I could but felt it needed some strong vocals to take it where it needed to go,” says Perry.

After previously working with Yaw., Perry knew exactly who’d be the right fit. Though, he still felt the track needed more.

“I decided to link up with yergurl to write a hook together as I was a big fan of everything she had been putting out so far.”

Ghanaian born Yaw. brings coherent flare and style to ’21 Orbits’, while Victorian teen queen and Unearthed High finalist yergurl gives the track a raw, dreamy spin. Taka Perry’s past collaborations with Ruel, Mallrat, Woodes, and KLP have clearly had a big impact on the artist, as his new style sounds more refined than ever.

Taka Perry, Yaw. and yergurl perfectly encapsulate all that is fresh and exciting in Australia’s music scene right now, and we cannot wait for what’s next.

5.     ‘Manipulator’ - Lune

Australia's newest heavy phenoms Lune are back with second hit of pure musical brutality.

The refreshing combination of soaring melodies and exceptionally heavy grooves give a raw, urgent feel right from the start.

The high-intensity band is comprised of members from Melbourne’s I, Valiance and Newcastle’s Blind Oracle.
Manipulator is about recovering from experiencing domestic violence and escaping a damaging environment in order to heal.

“This escape comes with the realisation that family are sometimes the ones that hurt you the most and must be left behind in order to protect yourself… Manipulator is dedicated to anyone who has ever experienced or is recovering from any form of domestic violence," the band explain.

While they only have one song to date under their belt, their impact has been explosive.

Tickets are selling fast for their single launch on Saturday December 21st at Melbourne's Stay Gold, so get streaming folks!