PREMIERE: Arrowbird Hits Bullseye with New Single, ‘Hands of the Unknowing’

Sydney based singer-songwriter and producer Arrowbird AKA Ray Vavasis has had a number of impressive releases over the last few months, but this one might be her best yet.

The musician blends multi-layered vocals with acoustic, orchestral textures and intense percussion in her new single, ‘Hands of the Unknowing’.

The fiery, climactic track serves as a hopeful reminder to use yourself as a source of good in the world whilst being genuine to yourself.

‘Hands of the Unknowing’ is carried by a group of vocal chants and rhythmical orchestral strings that are effectively accompanied by hard hitting toms and taiko drums. Each section builds to the next – leading the listener to an impressively powerful stop.

When speaking on the track, Arrowbird says it’s one of her favourites.

“I feel [‘Hands of the Unknowing’] gives people a good idea of what they can expect to hear more of in the future”

— Arrowbird

The recent circumstances have been a blessing in disguise for the artist, as she no longer had an excuse to withhold the songs she had idly sitting for years.

“The pandemic made me realise how much time I'm going to need to allocate if I want to be as serious as I feel about my music so I'm in the middle of finding that balance right now,” Arrowbird said.

Above all, Arrowbird pays homage to her multi-ethnic background with a combo of ethnic and contemporary experimental sounds in the song. Stream ‘Hands of the Unknowing’ below before it releases tomorrow (17 July)!

Australia's Answer To: Calvin Harris

While we won’t be seeing some of our favourite international acts for some time, the Good Intent Team has gathered a list of local acts that are the next best thing.

This week we take a look at one of the biggest DJs in the world – Adam Richard Wiles… more commonly known as Calvin Harris. The Scottish DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter has created some of the biggest electronic dance anthems of the last decade with ‘Feel So Close’, ‘This Is What You Came For’, ‘Slide’, and ‘One Kiss’. Going from self-releasing music online to touring the world, breaking records, and becoming Forbes’ highest-paid DJ for six straight years, Calvin Harris knows what success tastes like. So, here are four artists looking to indulge in that flavour.

First up we have Sydney’s Jordan F. If you’re an avid Good Intent reader, you might remember the article we dubbed his music the epitome of nostalgia… and to no surprise, nothing’s changed. Similar to Calvin Harris’ 2007 debut album I Created Disco, Jordan F’s style has a distinct retro feel with a modern fidelity. The musician has had an impressive 2020 so far - completing an east coast tour and releasing multiple singles. Jordan includes the dreamily smooth vocals of Fluir in his recent single ‘Need You’, creating a funk-driven jam. The song accurately depicts unreciprocated love while blending polyphonic sounds with rolling bass and dreamy disco drums. Strap yourselves in… because his new album Memory Collision is set to release this month!

Click here to listen to Jordan F

From what started as an unplanned live performance at kick ons, Spinclasse have created their own impressive brand of electronic music. After the kick ons performance, the Melbourne duo knew they had to keep it going – “In that moment we both knew we had created something truly special together,” explains Natalie Ambrose. The pair seamlessly combine tones of house, RnB and pop whilst giving listeners a glimpse into their ever-changing personalities. Though, neither of them is sure which direction their music will travel. “It’s a refined process creating songs together, Adam’s always creating new sounds on his beat pad and I’m constantly hearing lyrics in my mind”, says Nat. Expect a single soon.

Click here to listen to Spinclasse

In a similar vein to Calvin Harris, Adelaide producer Lusyv is not restricted to one genre or category – showcasing a constantly evolving sound. The musician also known as Eugene Sanso was exposed to jazz and blues at a young age which engrained a deep connection to emotional chords, and the powerful way in which music can extract feelings. Lusyv teams up with Swedish born Sydney-sider Mila Nile for his latest release, creating an uplifting electro-pop jam. ‘Bloom’ features soft, dusky vocals and a light, melodic instrumental which is topped off with a gorgeous electric guitar. We can’t wait to hear what’s next from this exciting musician.

Click here to listen to Lusyv

To top the list off, we have Notorious CHRIS. Despite being a bit heavier than Calvin Harris’ recent hits, this 19-year-old knows the recipe for an electronic banger. Notorious CHRIS propels listeners into an emotional eruption during his bass-heavy drops – particularly in his track ‘Desolate’. Originally from England, CHRIS moved to Australia when he was 10 and started producing music after hearing Skrillex’s Bangarang EP for the first time. The artist has been globally recognized after five years of consistent hard-hitting productions, supporting the likes of What So Not, Ekali, Peking Duk, and Claptone to name a few. Keep an eye out for this young, musically energized, and tenacious artist.

Click here to listen to Notorious CHRIS

PREMIERE: Howlite Serve Up Their Strikingly Sincere Single, ‘Stranger’

Melbourne’s Howlite aren’t strangers to producing an all-round impressive track, and it’s no different for their new one.

‘Stranger’ hooks the listener with a triumphant, all-enveloping choral loop which leads to an uplifting chorus reminiscent of Billie Eilish or Portishead. By uncovering the downbeat pop centre of the band with captivating lyricism and catchy dynamism, Howlite demonstrate their musical versatility.

Alison Thom flaunts her vocal prowess on the tune – stripping back the layers and embracing sincerity. She says ‘Stranger’ is about the destructive relationship she had with her mother growing up.

“There were many years growing up that I struggled to connect and relate to my mother while she was dealing with her own demons, and there was a lot of confusion, hurt and selfishness on my part that I unfairly unleashed on her because I was too young to appreciate the situation”.

“[‘Stranger’] is the self-destructiveness of relationships when we take opposition with people instead of trying to understand them”

— Alison Thom

Despite the current challenging circumstances, Howlite felt it was the perfect time to release a personal song as they pivot towards more intimate live streaming sessions.

Have a listen to ‘Stranger’ before they release their forthcoming EP Not Here in the coming months.

PREMIERE: Gold Coast Four-Piece Chutney Reveal New Single, ‘Genie’s Lamp’

There’s nothing like a bit of Chutney on your morning toast. This Gold Coast quartet is set to release their new single ‘Genie’s Lamp’ tomorrow (02/07/20) and it’s nothing short of an Aussie rock banger.

Opening with lead singer Matt Hansford’s dreamily down to earth vocals, ‘Genie’s Lamp’ is an ode to wishful thinking that includes the distinctive atmospheric guitars of the noughties.

Recorded with Scotty French and Brian Lucey, the track weaves its way through a sparse, soulful intro into a gut-punching verse and chorus that will be stuck in your head for days.

With influences like The Strokes, Catfish & The Bottlemen and Arctic Monkeys, it’s no surprise the condiment rockers are known for their electrifying live shows and expressive song writing.

Have the first listen to ‘Genie’s Lamp’, the first single off Chutney’s forthcoming five-track self-titled EP, below.

PREMIERE: marigolden Embraces Feminine Power in Her Sincere Debut

Tassie born, Melbourne based musician marigolden AKA Mel O’Neill creates a distinctively heartfelt sound through the use of jazz and RnB influences, melding her veracious voice with percussion and bass guitar on ‘Taking It Back’.

Listeners are met with an open letter of self-reflection on the debut which features an indie/neo-soul sound which blends both jazz and folk. Additionally, marigolden’s quietly poetic self-reflection maintains a passionate urgency throughout.

‘Taking It Back’ is about reclaiming self-worth whilst making a promise to call out injustices, says marigolden.

“Two years ago, I went to a park after work, laid down in the sun, and wrote… It was the first time I’d ever allowed myself to feel truly angry about past mistreatment”.

“I’ve sung this song many, many times and every time I do, I feel a swell of strength and support from the people listening”

— marigolden

After spending the last two years playing gigs around Melbourne, Mel’s musical means are comparable to those of Meg Mac.

We cannot wait for what’s next from this phenomenally honest musician. Until then, be the first to listen to ‘Taking It Back’ before it releases on Thursday (02/07/20).

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a San Cisco Fan…

Fremantle indie-pop favourites San Cisco have come a long way since their explosive 2011 Triple J Unearthed thumper, ‘Awkward’. They’ve released four EPs, three LPs, and played to sold out crowds across the world. Despite a slight change of personnel in 2018, Jordi, Scarlett, and Josh have continued to rock the live scene. That was until this year where the group, along with a number of other Aussie bands, had a world tour planned before COVID-19 hit. After cancelling more than 50 shows overnight, things started to look like an awfully bitter winter. Though, they didn’t let the ‘rona ruin the releases they already had planned. In particular, their new single ‘On The Line’ features San Cisco’s classic flair along with a contrast of dour lyrics and shiny music. The iso-inspired music video for ‘On The Line’ shows the band happily reuniting after eased gathering restrictions in Western Australia.

While we wait for San Cisco’s new album to release later this year, we found five local bands with similar musical qualities that you need to hear.

Bermuda Bay

Similar to San Cisco, Bermuda Bay charm listeners with sweet, nostalgic gusts of breezy indie tunes. The Adelaide five-piece have played together since the young age of 14 and have experimented with a dynamic range of musical styles. Specifically, their latest track ‘All My Life’ explores the transition from adolescence to adulthood by blending pop, soul, and funk seamlessly. The lyrics aim to highlight the power of music/dancing and its ability to ease whatever emotional stress one might feel through monumental transitions. As the groove-laden quintet continue to grow musically, listeners can expect to hear more from them in the future.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘All My Life’, ‘Old Style Dreams’, ‘Moment In Time’

Hyla

After moving to Melbourne from Perth three years ago, Hyla came across many challenges along the way. Though, it was this move which led to a new direction of song writing for the band – one that can be heard in their new single ‘Deserve’ and upcoming sophomore record. With dream pop, garage and ‘90s psych influences, Alex Hayes, Rob Stephens and Michael Antonas make music reminiscent of shoegaze classics with the same charming style of San Cisco. ‘Deserve’, recorded in Rob’s home studio and mastered in London by Darren Lawson, demonstrates the band’s knack for producing wistful songs that feature fuzzed out guitars and layered melodic vocals. Hyla plan on unleashing their album in November this year.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Deserve’, ‘Swam Out’, ‘Take Eyes’

Greatest Hits

If you like a good ‘70s inspired groove, you’ll love Greatest Hits. After a series of travel expeditions which saw the formation of Greatest hits, Ryan Cooper, Chelsea Foley and Henry Chatham tackle failure, identity, and growing up in their music while maintaining a light-hearted feel throughout. “Greatest Hits are about handling the heavy things lightly”, Ryan says, “We want to flip it on its head - laugh at our insecurities, and point out our struggles, while having a good time!”. Above all, their sound and culture is based around energy, vulnerability, and modern sensibilities. Greatest Hits’ single ‘Phil, Slow It Down’ makes the listener feel like hitting the dancefloor, or as Dave Ruby Howe of Triple J Unearthed put it, “Feel like [they’ve] gone head first down the biggest slide at the water park and splashed out into a tie-dye pool”.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Phil, Slow It Down’, ‘Mortals’

The Dollar Bill Murrays

The Dollar Bill Murrays ooze pure, blissful vibes in every. single. song. They recently recorded their single ‘My Love Is Golden’ in iso – impressively using a Macbook’s in-built microphone. The track details transitioning from being hopelessly alone in a state of panic to realising the worth of your love and the love of those around you. “At first this whole isolation thing was super frightening, and I disassociated with the world around me” says singer Felix Lindgren, “and at one point it felt like I was the only ‘real’ person left in the universe. It was the loneliest, scariest place that I’d ever been.” Whilst a bit more psych-rock than San Cisco, the chilled-out feel is the same.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘My Love Is Golden’, ‘I Want Everything’, ‘Bye Bye’

Airline Food

Coming from the same hometown of the ‘Awkward’ band, this Perth four-piece formed in the summer of 2016 and have been playing shows ever since. Airline Food utilise a considerable psych-rock/synth-pop style by experimenting with 80s-style synths and psychedelic sounding guitars, sounding a lot like Mac Demarco in parts. By drawing and applying inspiration from different eras, genres and styles, the band creates a floating feel for the listener. Not much else can be said about the band other than that they know exactly how to cook some tasty tunas, which is why this is the only airline food we advise sinking your teeth into.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘What I’m Looking For’, ‘When I Was Young’, ‘Sunscreen Dream’

Australia's Answer To: The Strokes

As we come to terms with the sad reality that we won’t be seeing some of our favourite international acts for some time, the Good Intent Team has decided to gather a list of local musicians that are the next best thing.

This edition will explore Australia’s answer to The Strokes – the royal rock group originating from New York. The band consisting of singer Julian Casablancas, guitarists Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr., bassist Nikolai Fraiture, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti released their debut album Is This It in 2001 which went on to become certified platinum in the US and UK and gold in other parts of the world. Their most recent (fittingly titled) album The New Abnormal – released April 2020 – is an impressively left-field effort that lives up to its title. Watch the video for ‘Bad Decisions’ of The New Abnormal below.

Australia’s first answer to The Strokes is Sydney’s Mesmeriser. The trio have found a sound that feels equal parts grounded and explorative; it’s rooted in indie-pop melodies but stretches to far more exciting sonic territories. Their most recent infectious single ‘Hugh Jackman’ swirls around the listener’s head with its glittery synth lines, hypnotic rhythms, and dreamy vocal hooks. The song reminisces on the personal jokes shared with a lost love and is considerably more sombre and introspective than previous Mesmeriser releases. On the track, guitarist/vocalist Myles Fischer says “Often, what you remember of someone isn't boiled down to something as simple as their looks, it’s often a feeling that takes you back to a time and place you shared with them”. Parallel to The Strokes, Mesmeriser include intricate instrumentation and emotional sensibilities in their alt-pop, nostalgia-infused songs. If you’re not already a fan of this band, we reckon you will be very shortly. 

Click here to listen to Mesmeriser

Another one of Australia’s brilliant answers to The Strokes is Autosuggest. This Sydney electronic rock trio produce some unwaveringly provocative music whilst experimenting with pop aesthetics and electronic soundscapes – similar to The Strokes. Their most recent single ‘My Signal’ features biting guitar riffs, chunky basslines and mesmerising vocals as it explores lust, addiction and dependency. On their new ‘season’ of music, frontman Alex Mallia says a lot of it “is based upon exiting a toxic relationship, finding all the wrong ways to cope with the mess and learning to deal with it.” It’s shaping up to be an innovative and exciting time for Autosuggest as they continue to push genre boundaries and add to their already striking musical palette.

Click here to listen to Autosuggest

Now we have Fight Ibis… and for a bunch of Sunshine Coast bin chickens, they make some pretty damn good music. The guys throw down a unique feel that seamlessly encompasses all genres from psych, indie, and garage to unhinged swing and groove, striving to create an honest body of work that’ll brighten someone’s day. It’s also worth noting the feathered friends are known for delivering chaotic live sets that maintain intensity and tightness throughout… like those of The Strokes. Along with dropping in on festivals such as The Big Pineapple Music Festival, Dead of Winter, Bigsound, and Mojo Burning to name a few, Fight Ibis have also supported The Growlers, Hockey Dad, The Garden and Mako Road. As they currently add the final spices to their next batch of fresh tunes, they plan on hitting the road again in October. 

Click here to listen to Fight Ibis

Next up we have Breakfast Road from Western Sydney. This modest band create massive psychedelic indie pop-rock tunes from the comfort of a bedroom studio. Following the release of their explosive debut single ‘Free Fall’, they dropped their three track EP Cherry that dabbled across rock, hip-hop and alternative influences. The band planned on continuing a string of quality releases in 2020… until COVID-19 hit. Despite the less than ideal circumstances, Breakfast Road ensued. In the midst of lockdown, the band wrote, produced and recorded their banging single ‘The Way It Was’ completely remote from each other. The tune features mellow vibes, thick vocal layering and a glistening guitar solo that screams nostalgia. Breakfast Road are now working tirelessly towards their debut album – get keen!

Click here to listen to Breakfast Road

At last but by no means least, we have Kimono Drag Queens. With music as spicy as their name, this psychedelic Sydney seven-piece focuses on rhythm-heavy walls of sound that blend elements of psych-rock, Tuareg music, 60’s pop and nourish lyricism. It’s no surprise that their influences span continents, genres and flavours. KDQ’s most recent single ‘Willy's World’ branches out into weird territory, getting a bit King Gizz in parts. After forming in late 2016, KDQ have steadily released singles and played shows along Australia’s east coast. If there’s anything to take from their few released tracks, it’s that Kimono Drag Queens know exactly how to create an expertly layered song with eerie guitars and smooth, heady vocals.

Click here to listen to Kimono Drag Queens

PREMIERE: BANTA. And Jade Alice Team Up To Create An Infectious Sad Banger

‘Hold’ combines melancholy themes with driving production; resulting in an undeniably danceable tune.

Its angelic vocals capture an honest perspective on desire within relationships. Jade Alice says the lyrical inspiration came from a toxic relationship experienced by her friend.

“Sometimes that person may not be good or healthy for you, it can be both a necessity and a hindrance to one’s self”.

“Whether that be a person in a relationship, a friendship, or maybe you’re fantasizing about that glazed donut that is just so bad for you.”

— Jade Alice

While creating organic pop tracks driven by slick electronic grooves, Oliver McNamara and Caleb Lindner of Melbourne’s BANTA. say they try to keep their style somewhat unconventional.

This becomes clear when discovering their strategies to surpass a musical dead end.

“We just pulled out a microphone and just started hitting things in the room to get foley sounds.

“We were just hitting like glasses and chairs with, like pencils and drumsticks just to get these weird timbres, which most of them actually ended up in the in the track at the end,” BANTA. say.

Be the first to give ‘Hold’ a listen below before it releases tomorrow (25/06/20).

PREMIERE: Sycamore unveil their punchy debut, 'Release'

From playing to an audience of rosellas and lorikeets in primary school to rocking local gigs and parties, Adelaide trio Sycamore have come a long way.

Brothers Jackson Pagett, Ryan Williams and Chris Williams – two of which are blood-related – have conjured a pulsing sound infused with melodic vocals and punchy guitars on what is an impressive debut.

The band say the tight track was inspired by some of the hardships they’ve faced.

“Isolation has been a time for us to create as a band and learn more about ourselves,” Chris says.

“[‘Release’] provides a slower, darker contrast to the rest of the songs we are working on.”

— Ryan Williams

The men of Sycamore have capitalised on recent circumstances, spending a lot of time in the studio to work on their upcoming EP.

Before it officially releases tomorrow (19/06/20), get the first listen of ‘Release’ below.

PREMIERE: Matthew Craig Returns with New Late Night R&B Jam

After a four-year break, Matthew Craig has returned with the smooth new single, ‘Plug All Night’… and what a comeback!

The track highlights the Melbourne artist's jazz background as a guitarist and vocalist, specifically in the delivery of his phenomenal lyrical content.

Matthew says the song is about searching for answers.

“[It’s] about searching for hope in a world which seems more chaotic than ever”

— Matthew Craig

“I like to talk about smoking as a metaphor for knowledge… Just inhaling more wisdom with each new experience," he said.

In recent years, we’ve seen new fusion forms of the Hip-Hop genre. For example, Punk/Rock x Hip-Hop via Lil Uzi Vert, Country x Hip-Hop via Lil Nas X, and now… Jazz x Hip-Hop via Matthew Craig. This new sub-genre uses traditional Jazz melodies over modern 808 kicks and hi-hats from Sydney-based producer Delipres (Coast & Ocean, Imbi The Girl).

Matthew’s forthcoming five-track EP explores sounds ranging from jazz, R&B and reggae.

Before the tune officially releases tomorrow (22/05/20), have the first listen below!

PREMIERE: Fancy Face reveal their lush sophomore single

If you haven’t yet heard of the Melbourne-based indie five-piece that is Fancy Face, strap yourselves in for a wild ride.

Their new single ‘Just You Wait’ is a head-banging rock anthem which is made for the live scene. With its singalong choruses and juicy guitar riffs, the tune sounds like an Aussie version of The Hives.

Produced by Alex Markwell of The Delta Riggs, ‘Just You Wait’ grabs the attention of listeners straight away with its gorgeous ‘70s rock sound.

Lead vocalist and guitarist Aaron Bach says the metaphorical track is about how one person initially viewed another.

“Things in life can change very quickly and we can either let it determine who we are or not,” he said.

Comprising of Aaron on vocals, Alex Z on drums, Sean on keys, Julia on guitar, and Alex on bass, the brand-new outfit found their sonic home under their groove-laden debut single ‘Slip Up’.

“[‘Slip Up’ is] a joyous slice of ebullient indie-rock excellence”

— Tone Deaf

Fancy Face’s influences include the smooth criminals of the alternative/indie rock world such as The Growlers, Dope Lemon, and The Murlocs.

Above all, Fancy Face have a simple mission: to provide a musical escape for listeners whilst getting them up and moving.

While ‘Just You Wait’ officially drops this Friday (22/05/2020), listeners can expect an EP soon.

Bootleg Rascal drop 'Lonely Times' featuring one of their fans rapping

Following on from the release of their latest single ‘Lonely Times’, Good Intent darlings Bootleg Rascal announced a competition, offering an opportunity for one lucky fan to rap on the track.

After sifting through a bunch of solid entries, the band came across a submission from a young chap by the name of Torian Brewer, who co-fronts Brisbane-based emerging group The Bonnie Doons.

“I remember watching the video and being hell confused, because it starts with some dude hanging out his washing,” explains Bootleg Rascal front man Carlos Lara. “However, he swiftly cracks a towel and starts dropping some fat bars”.

“We just thought it was the best thing ever”

— Carlos Lara

“It was a tight rap, but I think that striking visual really got it over the line in the end,” he continues.

Brewer gives the feel-good summer party anthem a fresh, youthful flavour. Blending sun-soaked reggae and dub sounds with modern day hip-hop, the track maintains its unrelenting energy whilst giving the infectious hooks, deft instrumentation and clever vocal cadences a new spin.

The Bonnie Doons, known for their groove-rock / alt-rap style, are heavily influenced by the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, Oasis and Outkast. The band have been building a buzz in Brisbane since 2017, however, after supporting Drop Legs and opening for Wolfmother, the lads went on brief hiatus in late 2018. With a few additions to the band, The Bonnie Doons recently returned to the stage to win The Brightside’s Battle of the Bands competition.

“I’ve been following these guys since the first time I heard them many years ago, and it’s awesome to be able to feature on their single ‘Lonely Times’”

— Torian Brewer

Additionally, Bootleg Rascal will release their new single ‘We Independent’ on May 22. The track is lifted from their forthcoming staggered EP titled ‘Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents “19’, where from May through till September, the group will release a new track each month. The EP will also feature ‘Lonely Times’.

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Flume Fan…

Flume has come a long way since his debut 2012 self-titled album. Pioneering the future bass genre, the Sydney-raised musician also known as Harley Streten is known for his ability to explore complex sounds and make them sound like they've always existed. As well as winning seven ARIAs and a Grammy for the 2016 album Skin, Flume’s take on songs from Lorde, Sam Smith, Hermitude and Disclosure have become some of the most popular remixes to ever exist. Though, despite his success, he’s had his doubts about music.

He recently opened up on his girlfriend’s My Friend Podcast, candidly talking about considering quitting music, abusing alcohol to deal with his anxiety around performing, his conservative background, and the impact the whole Flume eating ass at Burning Man had on his career. The insightful listen gives us a peek into the mind of a decade-defining artist and is definitely worth checking out.

“I got to a point where I was like ‘I don’t want to do this anymore. I’m not having fun doing this, I think I want to quit”

— Flume

However, being in lockdown has been a “blessing in disguise,” he added, because it’s allowed him to focus on writing new music. Flume’s most recent release ‘The Difference feat. Toro y Moi’ is an undeniably catchy tune which features his signature sound with a refreshing twist.

As we wait for more new music from Flume (expected this year), we found five exciting electronic acts with the same style.

Taka Perry

With three acclaimed singles, 2019 was a huge year for multi-instrumentalist Taka Perry. Perry’s tune ‘Only U’, featuring the soulful vocals of Gia Vorne, paints a melancholic picture of love and longing with an ambient sense of hope. Additionally, the track ebbs and flows at all the right moments whilst letting his signature production style shine through a haze of euphoria. After debuting his hypnotic live show in February of this year, Taka has been showcasing a series of #coronabeats made while in lockdown in his home studio, as well as flexing his production chops on tracks like Sycco’s ‘Nicotine’; a track he co-wrote, produced, mixed and mastered. As Taka continues to prove himself as one of the most exciting producers on the scene right now, expect big things in the future.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Only U’, ’21 Orbits’, ‘Kuruna’

PNK FME

Rising Adelaide producer and vocalist PNK FME (Lachlan Turnock) is one you won’t want to miss. The artist’s sound transcends the bounds of traditional genres by blending vehement vocal performances with an unapologetic ferocity. ‘You Never Said’, his most recent release, explores a destructive dissociation from an abusive relationship. The track is a mournful yet empowering odyssey that probes the untamed surge of personal growth from breaking dysfunctional bonds.

“I was questioning why and how someone close could be emotionally abusive against someone they supposedly love,” he said.

Be sure to keep an eye out for PNK FME in the coming months!

Good Starting Tracks: ‘You Never Said’, ‘Infatuation’, ‘Dark Demons’

Jim Alxndr

Photo: Hayley You

If you’re looking for someone with Flume’s experimental style of producing, Jim Alxndr is your guy. With his own brand of electronic music, the musician also known as James Vincent combines electro-acoustic sounds, field recordings and hard-hitting drums. After a few years of studying music across a few countries, 2019 was a stellar year for the artist… especially after the release of ‘Slave ft. Angie McMahon’ which was described as “a perfect song” by Triple J Presenter Linda Marigliano. James was described as “the next generation of Australian indie-dance” by Pilerats, we couldn’t agree more. He’s is currently working on his own EP set for release later in 2020. Watch this space.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Come Home Soon’, ‘Slave’, ‘Fruit Salad’

Pat Carroll

Sydney electronic artist Pat Carroll has carved himself space into the landscape of contemporary electronic music over the last 18 months. The artist’s colourfully dynamic EP Winds, Alight includes some of its early imperfections because Pat wanted to embrace the sounds and methods of his musical instincts.

“I think it is common to be super judgemental of yourself in almost everything you do, especially in current times when some people are portrayed as having more worth or value than others.

“I wanted to rid those questions and doubts from my thinking [while working on the EP],” he said.

With spirited drum and synth patterns mixed in with hypnotising vocals, Pat Carroll will take you on a spectacular aural journey.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Winds’, ‘Plateau’, ‘Augur’

Waxx Off

Since stepping into the club DJ scene in 2018, Waxx Off AKA Aayush Sharma has been making waves ever since. His 2019 hit ‘Wait a Minute’ shot straight to number one on Triple J Unearthed’s dance charts, gaining support far and wide. The classy track was even used in a nationwide commercial for the men’s fashion brand, Politix. The Adelaide musician, producer and DJ has also supported Aussie music heavyweights LUUDE, Enschway, and Crooked Colours, as well as being selected as the DJ for major Hip Hop artists such as Schoolboy Q, Jaden Smith, and Rae Sremmurd. Expect more music from Waxx Off in 2020 with an experimental feel.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Wait a Minute’, ‘Twister’, ‘Back Up’

PREMIERE: Jimmy Harwood Brings the Vibes on New Single, ‘Calendar’

2020 is gearing up to be a huge year for Jimmy Harwood, and if his previous releases ‘Blue Gatorade’, ‘Cooko’, and ‘Flying’ didn’t convince you, we think his new one ‘Calendar’ will.

The powerfully produced track blends Hip-Hop, Indie Pop and soul whilst maintaining a tight vocal flow. Though, it has an undeniably chilled acoustic vibe which suits any mood. Lyrically, inspiration stemmed from having unnecessarily poor time management, and the domino effect it has on our lives.

‘Calendar’ is a result of Jimmy spending the last six months locked away in his bedroom, focusing on making music. The best news of all… he’s is only just getting started.

We cannot explain how excited we are to hear more from this smooth musician.

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a BENEE Fan…

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know about the supalonely New Zealand artist that is BENEE. The musician also known as Stella Rose Bennett knows exactly how to create a “sad banger”, proved by her phenomenal streaming numbers. Though, she had her doubts about pursuing music full time in the early stages of her career, especially when she dropped out of university after two weeks. However, with her mother’s support, she made it work.

“Taking risks is the best thing ever, and that’s what gets you anywhere”

— BENEE

Releasing her breakout track ‘Soaked’ in late 2018, the young musician has since scooped up four New Zealand Music Awards, released two EPs, and had multiple songs trend on the Gen-Z dominated social media platform known as TikTok. Of her TikTok popular songs, the most recent is ‘Supalonely’ featuring Gus Dapperton, which has racked up more than 10.8 MILLION videos (as of 24/04/20). This comes to no surprise as the world undergoes an agonisingly lonely period of self-isolation.

While BENEE continues to win people over with her laid-back pop-funk, we found five emerging acts you’ll love if you’re a fan of the Kiwi musician.

DVNA

Now introducing DVNA (pronounced Da-na), a raw, emotional force to be reckoned with. Her first offering of 2020 ‘Half Past Sober’ explores a true story of heartache and betrayal. The track fuses her soulful vocals with a stripped back production style which brings the dysfunctional, heated, electric love affair to life. The Gold Coast musician has had a huge 18 months, captivating the market with her first three singles ‘Sushi In Tokyo’, 'Looking Like a Snack' and 'Girl On The Move'. As well as opening the main stage at Brisbane's Laneway Festival, DVNA has also supported the likes of LEISURE, Alice Ivy, Kira Puru, Arno Faraji and performed at various tastemaker festivals including BIGSOUND, Bleach Festival, Arcadia and The Mountain Goat Valley Crawl. 'Half Past Sober' is the first sip of the next phase for this extremely talented producer, performer and songwriter.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Half Past Sober’, ‘Sushi In Tokyo’, ‘Looking Like a Snack’

Archer

Growing up in Melbourne, Archer is no stranger to the music scene. The pop artist has been performing since she can remember and has only just started releasing music. Archer writes relatable and emotional tracks with lyrics drawn from her experiences growing up. She works hard to convey messages in her music while simultaneously ensuring you can’t get her songs out of your head. In her short two years as a musician, she has played shows alongside and supporting Feelds, Nathan Wong and Velvet Bloom. Her new track ‘Empty Space’ is a crowd favourite for its catchy lyrics and will be available across all major streaming platforms tonight at 6pm. For Archer, it’s only up from here.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Malibu’, ‘Words Out’, ‘Work It Out’

Rya Park

This Melbourne singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is eloquently charismatic beyond belief. Rya Park’s music, to no surprise, is acclaimed for its accurate representation of toxic relationships, heartbreak, mental health, and melancholia. Her second single of 2020 ‘Sad’ comes at a time where there is so much uncertainty in the world and being completely unsure of your future has never been more relatable. Poised with honesty, Rya’s conviction and natural storytelling ability makes this track her biggest yet. In the last year, Rya has played across the country with Tyne-James Organ, Alex Lahey and Kingswood, performing her first official collection of songs the debut EP “Lexapro” which is set for a release in August 2020. Bring it on!

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Bad Name’, ‘Act Your Age’, ‘Billy’

Halle Dot

Halle Dot, the independent, self-managed artist, has been making waves in the Sydney music scene. By sharing her life experiences through poetic writing, the bold and sassy musician aims to make listeners feel empowered when they hear her music. The track ‘Tongue Tied’ was written for Halle’s 21-year-old self, and what she needed to hear back then.

“It’s taken me a lot of growth & reflection to realise my worth… If you're in a situation where you need to be reminded of yours, I wrote this for you too,” she said.

Halle started singing at age three, writing songs at age eight and then moved to London in her early 20’s to hone down on her craft where she believes the heart of sound was developed. After studying Audio engineering, she’s currently working on her debut EP set to release mid 2020.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Tongue Tied’, ‘Love Sync’

Lily Harnath

If you’re in love with BENEE’s smooth vocals, look no further than Lily Harnath. This 20-year-old bass playing singer/songwriter impressively blends indie rock with pop to create dreamy landscapes infused with attitude. Inspired by the esteemed musicians around her in Melbourne, the artist has embraced the talents of her friends, inviting many of them to play on her record and bringing her songs to life in good company. Lily immerses the listener in her world by exploring themes of friendship, heartbreak and self-empowerment. Whilst she doesn’t have too many solo tracks yet, her exceptional range and raw talent is still prevalent.

Good Starting Track: ‘Somersaults’

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Tame Impala Fan…

Perth’s Tame Impala have gone from being an experimental psychedelic project to one of the biggest rock bands in the world. By fusing the sonics of the ’60s and ’70s with taut pop melodies and modern electronic production, their sound is instantly recognisable. Australian multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker creates all of Tame Impala’s music, then tours with Dominic Simper, Jay Watson, Cam Avery, and Julien Barbagallo. Kevin’s production expertise has enabled him to work with the likes of Travis Scott and Kanye West, as well as headline festivals and tour arenas.

The Slow Rush, Tame Impala’s fourth album unveiled earlier this year, explores the eternal enemy of perfectionists everywhere… time. As Parker originally expected to release the album before his Coachella headline, it became clear he needed ‘One More Year’. The extraordinarily detailed effort uses strong melodies and riffs expertly, with influences spanning Philly soul and early prog to acid house, adult-contemporary R&B, and Late Registration. Though, he told Triple J he “didn’t listen to any music while making the album.”

Tame released a track with The Streets on Monday titled 'Call My Phone Thinking I'm Doing Nothing Better', and it’s about as strange as the collaboration itself. Just because it’s strange doesn’t mean it’s not groovy though, because it has quite a catchy rhythm throughout, especially when Kevin’s wholesome vocals take centre stage. The track includes Tame Impala’s signature wavy production mixed in with a bit of The Streets’ down to earth lyricism. Also, the music video follows social-distancing guidelines, so what’s not to love?

Tame Impala’s sound will continue to inspire artists until the end of time. So, here’s five up-and-coming Aussie acts with the same psychedelic style.

Grievous Bodily Calm

Grievous Bodily Calm can be described as a melting pot of lyrical melodies and intricate beats with a focus on conveying emotion through expressive compositions. The genre-combining five-piece from Perth produce a consistently impressive sound which transfers perfectly to a live setting. Their song ‘Sync Step’ further cements them as one of Australia’s most exciting and forward-thinking musical outfits for its blazing drum take, harsh synths and soaring melodies to thread a dynamic narrative. As well as selling out headline shows, Grievous Bodily Calm have already shared stages with music heavyweights like The Avalanches, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kaiit, Beach House and Mulatu Astatke.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Sync Step’, ‘Footwork’, ‘Tremble Dance’

Mel Blue

With an obsession for nostalgia and rhythm, this Sydney six-piece are a huge vibe. Mel Blue formed because members Oscar Sharah and Luke Gerber wanted to create danceable music which teleported listeners back in time. Their recent electronic-pop song ‘Yesterday’ explains using a breakup as an opportunity for self-improvement instead of playing the blame game. The band’s precise musical production generates a soundscape which is reminiscent yet present, lost yet grateful, melancholic yet content, and above all, an unforgettable experience. If the song wasn’t enough for you, Mel Blue have created a standalone platform runner game, which features in the video and will be available online for everyone to play.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Yesterday’, ‘South’

Strangely Enough

Prepare for the skanking guitars, funk-laden bass-lines, thumping drum-fills and marvellous electronic tones of Strangely Enough. There’s nothing strange about the band’s genre-blending style comprised of soaring vocals and polyrhythmic synths, in fact it’s something quite special. 'Long Time Coming' describes how we define ourselves with a series of snapshots and is undoubtedly Strangely Enough’s finest effort yet. The lively track opens with glistening upbeat keys as Greg Olley's powerful vocal range gently propels the song forward before dropping into a downtempo groove. If you’re in desperate need of a body moving tune, the sweet vocal tones and electronic-funk beats of Strangely Enough have you sorted.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Long Time Coming’, ‘Graceville’

daste.

Australian trio daste. released their new EP Same as It Ever Was on Wednesday and boy, does it slap. The foundation track for the EP, ‘Telephone (What’s Your Name?)’, is about being head over heels for someone, but the person barely knows your name… which sounds familiar to a certain Tame Impala song which won Triple J’s Hottest 100 of The Decade. Moreover, daste. say the song is a bit of a creepy take which comes across nicely in the instrumentation. They explore darker than usual themes in the EP even though their trademark synthy/psychedelic sound remains. Whilst a lot of the trio’s musical inspo comes from Talking Heads, there are some undeniably delicious Tame Impala flavours in their songs.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Telephone (What’s Your Name?)’, ‘SOBER’, ‘Thinkin’ Of’

Bread Club

The carb enthusiasts of Bread Club have a unique brand of disco infused pop that needs to be heard. ‘Never Go Again’, their most recent release, is a sublime groove with synth driven textures and catchy melodies. The song is the ultimate love song for the tightly knit bromance that is Bread Club. Inspired by their guitarist and trumpet man’s six-month exchange to the Netherlands last year, ‘Never Go Again’ describes having to let go whilst quietly hoping they’ll come back. Band members Dillon Frazier and Hamish Waddell teamed up with Tom Elliot and wrote ‘Never Go Again’ as a wish for Reg Oke to really, never go again. Once gigging becomes possible again, Bread Club hope to solidify themselves as one of Sydney’s standout inner west bands with a multitude of mammoth releases.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Never Go Again’, ‘hOT mESS’, ‘Convoluted’

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Violent Soho Fan…

Just when you thought everything good had gone in the world, Violent Soho returned to tell us everything would be A-OK. The Mansfield band’s new album Everything Is A-OK is by far their most down to earth effort yet, featuring a bit of insight, sincerity, and trademark VS fury. Forming in 2004, the four average joes with a ‘90s grunge rock sound remain relevant… most likely because of the everyday issues they discuss in their music. The lads even scored themselves the #4 spot in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of the Decade with their 2013 hit ‘Covered In Chrome’.

As the untouchable flair of Violent Soho continues to influence Aussie artists, we found five emerging Soho-like bands you need to get your ears around.

Bakers Eddy

Melbourne-via-Wellington pop-punk powerhouse Bakers Eddy have been making waves for some time now, but their cracking new single ‘T-Shirt’ may just be their best effort yet. Every Bakers Eddy song has an addictive pop-punk energy which has garnered the band an impressive following. ‘T-Shirt’ leans into the deep, unpolished feelings that come with a messy breakup whilst trying to make sense of the situation. Unfortunately, the band had to cancel their raucous March/April tour but will be making a grand return with Slowly Slowly in October this year. Bakers Eddy unsurprisingly dominated critic’s ‘best of’ lists at last year’s Bigsound Festival, and we can’t wait to see them back in action.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Leave It To Me’, ‘T-Shirt’, ‘Can’t Afford It’

Down For Tomorrow

Full disclosure: Down For Tomorrow are a client of Good Intent… so if you believe that impacts this review, give their music a listen to form your own opinions. For those of you happy to continue reading, get ready for an undeniably explosive indie-punk band. The Sydney-based quartet had a huge 2019, selling out their ‘Thanks To You’ EP Launch FIVE weeks in advance. They have also supported American heavyweights The Maine, The Dangerous Summer, and As It Is, along with Aussie juggernauts British India. The boys are set to release a new single ‘Emily’ next week, telling the story of a negative interstate experience full of miscommunication and unrequited feelings. Once quarantine has passed, Down For Tomorrow will continue their plans of playing extensively across the East-Coast and releasing more new music.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Thanks To You’, ‘Show Me That You Care’, ‘What Could Have Been’

Choosing Sides

If you need a burst of energy, look no further than Choosing Sides. The lads from Adelaide’s South Coast have a contagiously fun style of indie rock that’ll have you rocking out (whilst self-isolating) before you know it. After spending some of their childhood in the UK, sprinkles of Brit-Pop can be heard amongst their Australian indie-rock sound. With a love for captivating an audience, the young outfit is even better live as driving rhythms, catchy riffs, and memorable choruses take centre stage. If you’re in need of a workout, simply put your headphones in, press play on any Choosing Sides song, and let loose.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Titus Oates’, ‘Breakfast’, ‘The Clouds’

Last Lions

Since 2014, Perth band Last Lions have been blasting their emotionally charged brand of indie punk rock across bars, clubs, youth halls and backyard parties. Last year they released their debut EP Stop Killing Each Other and embarked on their first national tour. Before the sweat on their guitars could dry, the quartet released their next single Hoodie which came with another tour of southwest WA and supporting slots with Brisbane band WAAX. The band’s newest danceable single contains their filthiest, fuzziest breakdown yet as well as their sunniest, acoustic guitar, tambourine sing-along ever. ‘In The End’ fittingly details getting through times where it seems like the end of the world. An uplifting tone is featured throughout, sonically reflecting a band who have well and truly found their stride.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘In The End’, ‘Nothing I Wouldn’t Do’, ‘Hoodie’

Pure Milk

Pure Milk spent the hot Aussie summer refining their garage-rock sound… and boy, was it worth it! Their new track ‘Conversations’ features a charmingly chaotic sound with dissonant guitar lines and a sharp, dry wit. The Gold Coast band is the project of Lewis Nitschinsk and Dylan Lindquist, with a 5-piece live band including Nathan Asquith, Joel Berechree and Brayden O’Gorman. Whilst they started playing in 2017, 2019 was a breakthrough year for Pure Milk as they supported the likes of DZ Deathrays, Donny Benet, and Eliza & The Delusionals. Do yourself a favour and listen to this band now… the infectiousness of their laid-back Aussie rock vibes truly is something special.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Conversations’, ‘Palm Beach’, ‘Expectations’

PREMIERE: Bailey Judd provides a large dosage of catchy grooves in new single

Melbourne based jazz-kid turned producer Bailey Judd features ear-worm hooks, disco beats and rock riffs in his new single ‘Dance With You Now’.

After releasing ‘Goodbye Brown Eyes’ in 2019, Bailey’s now wiping away the tears and hitting the d-floor.

The musician effectively blends daringly informed harmonies to create an infectious pop dance sensibility which can only be described as an exciting, uplifting, mysterious, three-minute burst of joy.

Teaming up with Melbourne heavyweight musician Jake Amy, the pair effectively forge their own unique brand of pop similar to Vulfpeck and Snarky Puppy.

Moreover, sounds of Megadeth and Tom Misch can be heard in ‘Dance With You Now’ through its keen sense of musicality and arrangement.

Bailey says the jazzy project has been about having a great raw band sound.

So, you better shake your ass and dance how your heart feels.

PREMIERE: Slinky Drives Us Crazy With New Psychedelic Bedroom Banger

Sydney based singer/songwriter/producer Slinky has blended his trademark silky smooth, emotionally gritty vocals with soaring synths and psychedelic guitars in his new single, ‘Crazy’.

Mixed by Jackson Barclay, ‘Crazy’ takes heavy cues from the likes of Tame Impala, SZA, Arctic Monkeys and D'Angelo.

Whilst this soul infused synth rock tune is delightful on the ears, it explores the very serious themes of anxiety, depression and alienation in modern society.

“It can be extremely hard to communicate with others when you’re dealing with mental health problems… I felt that writing a song conveying what I've experienced may help people who have been through something similar,” Slinky says.

Above all, the artist hopes the listener takes this away:

“You’re never alone when dealing with mental health issues... they’re universal.”

— Slinky

After playing shows across Europe and supporting Aussie legends 1927 during 2019, the tasty R&B grooves of Slinky are only just getting started.

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Lime Cordiale Fan…

Louis and Oli Leimbach… the two ecologically savvy Sydney brothers known as Lime Cordiale who have been rocking audiences’ socks off for more than 10 years. The brothers have come a long way since playing weddings, especially when they reached an agreement with Post Malone and his manager last year, signing a massive international management and label deal. The American music heavyweights were introduced to the Cordiale sound when Posty was in Brisbane… they went to a show, and the rest is history. Dre London, Post Malone’s manager, is undoubtedly one of the biggest managers in the world right now, so there’s no telling what heights the Leimbach boys are going to reach in the next few years.

“There’s so much we can do with the band in the USA and globally... together we’re going to make history.”

— Dre London

Their 2019 hit ‘Robbery’ is even included in ‘Posty’s Playlist’, a Spotify playlist filled with Post Malone’s favourite songs at the moment, curated by the rhinestone cowboy himself. The lads also revealed in an interview with BUILD Series they tricked their management into letting them tour Europe last year because their grandmother was “on her deathbed” when in fact she’s just “old”. Thank god they did though, because this allowed them to shoot the hilariously engaging film clip for ‘Robbery’.

Lime Cordiale’s distinctive brand of indie-pop has captivated audiences from around the globe, so without further ado, here are five emerging Aussie acts with the same Leimbach style.

Mall Santa

After releasing a four-song bedroom recorded EP late last year titled Dumb, Newcastle’s Mall Santa are ready to take on 2020. Members Aquinas Fleming and Jesse Dowley have already upped the fidelity and energy this year, releasing their single ‘Good Sport’, an upbeat, punk-flavoured moment of angst that quickly gained attention along with an accompanying music video. The band has continued to write music and has also started planning a potential album. If the last couple months haven’t been jam-packed enough for the duo, Mall Santa have upcoming supporting shows for Concrete Surfers, British India and The Gooch Palms. Get around it!

Good Starting Tracks: Good Sport, Immature, 52 Morning

Travalley

If you’re looking for a stripped-back two-piece with similar catchy hooks and pristine harmonies to those of Lime Cordiale, Travalley are the band for you. Their sound is dreamy but also upbeat enough for listeners to jam out to. This Ballarat duo have hit their stride in recent months, particularly in a live scenario when their driving drums and jangly guitars can take centre stage. The captivating euphony of Travalley perfectly captures the brotherly bond members Levi and Sam share. The beautiful harmonies and infectious onstage banter of the boys blend beautifully, making their show feel like one giant party.

Good Starting Tracks: Mr Right, Heartless, Break Free

Chutney

This four-piece indie rock band have already left a mark on the South East Queensland music scene with their electrifying live shows and expressive song writing. Hailing from the Gold Coast, Chutney formed in late 2019 to bring their love for lyrical indie rock together into a fully-fledged outfit. Their sound includes Impressively slick guitar lines, strong and memorable vocals, pounding drums and throbbing bass lines… not to mention high quality song writing and fan connectivity. With plans to release an EP in the coming months as well as consistent singles, these cheeky boys have a huge year ahead of them.

Good Starting Tracks: Gone On Time, Romance & Intrigue

Camino Gold

After releasing their debut single ‘A Heart Like Yours’ in December last year, Camino Gold have quickly gained national attention. The indie four piece from Newcastle formed in January 2019 and been gigging since. Their most recent track ‘Moon’ features angelic harmonies with a stripped back guitar, building to a powerful close. Camino Gold have supported Boo Seeka with an acoustic set, and recently supported The Sea Gypsies at The Cambridge Hotel Newcastle. While last year was a huge year for the boys, 2020 is shaping up to be even bigger.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘A Heart Like Gold’, ‘Moon’

Mt. Cleverest

The funk-rap stylings of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, clever guitar layers of the Arctic Monkeys, powerful breakdowns of Royal Blood, and Aussie flavours of Lime Cordiale have been combined to make Mt. Cleverest. Lead singer Christian Mechler flawlessly communicates powerful vocals and equally powerful messages in everyone one of the band’s songs. The clever guys formed in 2016 and quickly began climbing the mountain that is the Australian music scene, gaining momentum as an explosively robust alt-rock indie-rap group. Singles ‘These Nights’ and ‘Linger’ attracted international attention and proved the Perth outfit isn’t messing around. Known for their exhilarating live shows and passionate performances, Mt. Cleverest continue to show all the signs of a promising young band.

Good Starting Tracks: That Girl, These Nights, Take It Back