5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Glass Animals Fan...

While this year’s Hottest 100 winners may not be as culturally ubiquitous as some previous winners, Dave Bayley, Joe Seaward, Ed Irwin-Singer and Drew MacFarlane of Glass Animals have shown the power of internet culture trends in gaining international acclaim and growing an already healthy fanbase. But then again, after vowing to get Australia tattooed on their rear if ‘Heat Waves’ won, it’s hard to believe the internet would let us down.

here's the deal: heatwaves on top of the pile in @tripleJ hottest 100 = australia tattooed to each of our buttocks, not each cheek obvs. inked on us 4eva as a sign of our love for the greatest sporting country on earth

we are absolutely serious about this https://t.co/g1XKwMuDpx pic.twitter.com/VS3qEeEigW

— Glass Animals (@GlassAnimals) January 13, 2021

The psych-pop quartet from Oxford known for their surreal lyrics, hypnotic beats, rippling guitars and aquatic synths formed in 2010 and have been on a steady incline ever since. They released Dreamland in 2020 which saw another set of alien-like tunes added to their discography. After working with the likes of Joey Bada$$, 6lack, and Wale, the new LP revealed a band more familiar with rap – particularly on the track ‘Tokyo Drifting’ which features hip-hop powerhouse Denzel Curry. Above all, Glass Animals’ latest effort longs for a time where we were more present in our personal relationships… a relatable light that came in an indisputably dark time. Frontman Dave Bayley, who also happens to have a degree in neuroscience, says “it’s going to be in how we recover and find a way forward that really matters,” when speaking on the unbelievably dull year that was 2020.

“[‘Heat Waves’ is] about realising it’s ok to be defeated by something”

— Dave Bayley

As Wavey Davey and the rest of the Glass Animals continue to bask in the warm, genre-twisting success of ‘Heat Waves’, the Good Intent team has found five emerging acts with a similar style.

Billy Fox

If you’re a fan of Glass Animals’ stunning soundscapes and luminescent production, look no further than Billy Fox. The Sydney-based multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter has an impressively technical flair for smooth, soul and R&B-influenced electronic production paired with skilful songwriting. Billy’s experimentation with organic instrumentation, spacious production and intricately textured future-soul elements forms an all-consuming sensory experience. The Common Good founder has a strong focus on collaboration which has seen him work with the likes of Mookhi, Kid Mac, Dekleyn, Jerome Blazé, Hein Cooper, and Pat Carroll to name a few. Following the international success of his Lung EP, the artist has played multiple sold-out Sydney shows and even supported Glass Animals!

Good Starting Tracks: East Coast, Be Like This for a While, Avalanche

Odd tastes

This electro-pop duo coming hot out of Ballarat is one not to be missed. By writing, recording, and editing all their work together, Odd Tastes have an irresistible sound which is perfect for summer hangouts. Telephonic beats, textured harmonies and sharp lyrics grab the listener from the start and don’t let go. Georgina and Will seamlessly blur the lines between an array of genres including pop, rock, rap and electro punk. Known for their ability to captivate a live audience through energetic performances, the twins have opened for The Smith Street Band and The Bennies. Stay tuned as Odd Tastes continue to make a mark on the Aussie music scene.

Good Starting Tracks: 25, Pressure, I DON’T WANNA KNOW

JERKSTORE.

Boasting a hip-hop background, JERKSTORE.’s genre-bending style exhibits undeniable similarities to that of Glass Animals. The trio from regional Victoria, Sydney and Melbourne formed in 2019 after crossing paths in their solo careers. Described as a high energy, tongue-in-cheek band with a message, JERKSTORE. released their debut EP and two extra singles in 2019, followed by only a couple tracks in 2020. However, listeners can expect a new JERKSTORE. single every month in 2021, with an EP and LP lined up too. Best of all, the Jerks plan on bringing their diverse sound to the stage for a debut headline tour in 2021.

Good Starting Tracks: Try (Remix), My Ride, Get Back Time

Finn Irregular

In a similar vein to Glass Animals’ latest album, Finn Irregular maintains a vibrant sense of nostalgia throughout his music. The Melbourne-based artist from North London spans jazz, hip-hop, broken beat and R&B in a way which can only be described as an impressively immersive experience. Finn’s downtempo yet engaging sound transports the listener to the scene of a late-night beach jam through a constant ebb and flow of arpeggiated synths and lush pads. By featuring the likes of Rara Zulu, Cazeaux O.S.L.O, Matthew Hayes and Haku Kyah to provide purposeful lyricism, Finn Irregular has found the formula to create catchy, punchy songs that keep an ambient, dreamy nature.

Good Starting Tracks: Find a Way, Waves, Summer Rains

Barley Passable

Kai Ollman and Davy Brown of Sydney’s Barley Passable joined forces through a mutual distaste of their studies and haven’t looked back since. Considering its presence in almost every one of their songs, French Disco and Euro Pop clearly had a massive influence on the duo. The blend of off-beat disco grooves and sputtering funk synths give Barley Passable’s discography an irresistibly danceable quality. With only a few songs to their name, Barley Passable’s new EP set to be unleashed in March has been “a year in the making, all made for [the listener]”.

Good Starting Tracks: Turnaround, Step Inside, All I Have

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Mallrat Fan...

Grace Shaw AKA Mallrat has come a long way since uploading anthemic laptop tunes as a 16-year-old in 2015. She’s released banger after banger and received multiple award nominations amongst consistent live shows including a performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. Her 2019 EP Driving Music debuted at number ten on the ARIA album chart just as she set off on a North American tour with one of Australia’s most successful recent rappers, Allday. The EP’s breakout single ‘Charlie’, named for her endlessly affectionate family dog, quickly became a fan favourite as she gave a tender and heartfelt distillation of her love for other people. The Brisbane singer, songwriter and producer known for setting everyday life against sticky rhythmic and melodic hooks told NME last year she instantly knew the track was the best song she’d ever written, and how right she was. ‘Charlie’ finished at number three in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2019.

The undeniably catchy hip-hop-infused electro-pop of Brisbane’s rap queen is hard to come by. So, we found five emerging talents you’ll love if you’re a fan of Mallrat.

Jess Locke

Known for penning indie guitar-pop tracks that are at times subtle and full of melancholy but always rich in narrative, Melbourne-based musician Jess Locke is proving to be a strong force within the industry. Her music traverses themes of human behaviour, our egos and self-reflection whilst inviting contemplation. Locke and her bandmates recorded their latest album with producer Rob Muinos in a tiny studio in the back of a Melbourne guitar shop before it was mastered by John Davis in the UK. Whilst a bit grungier than Mallrat’s sound, Jess creates simple yet raw tracks that receive wide acclaim and radio play across Australia. Give Jess Locke’s discography a listen to hear why she's one of Australia’s most exciting emerging female talents.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Universe’, ‘Dead And Gone’, ‘Destroy Everything’

Grace Sanders

With only a few songs to her name, Grace Sanders is already showing signs of Mallrat’s woozy musical expertise. The artist has demonstrated a psych-electro sound in many of her tracks, including layers of synths and electric guitars which work in cohesion to create an entrancing psychedelic haze which leaves the listener wanting more. Her captivatingly gritty style enables the listener to live within every moment as minimalistic yet tender lyrics wash over. Above all, Grace features an impressive blend of addictive basslines, sultry synths and angelic vocals within her discography. Oh, and her EP is set to release at the end of the month!

Good Starting Tracks: ‘DISSIPATE’, ‘Flow Like Water’, ‘NO FAIR’

Sarah Saint James

This fiery new age storyteller is proving to be a strong force in the LGBTQIA+ and Australian music community. Sydney’s Sarah Saint James creates songs that experiment with unusual production whilst retaining a strong sense of relatability. The musician features impressive synth heavy production as she opens up about coming to terms with her sexuality in her most recent track ‘mad at god’. Sarah even went a bit TikTok viral after uploading a snippet of her song to the platform and gaining 400k views, 135k likes, and 23k followers in less than one week! Listeners can expect a debut EP soon.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘mad at god’, ‘Back Around’, ‘DMB’

Jess Fairlie

If you’re a sucker for Mallrat’s insanely alluring voice paired with a catchy beat, Jess Fairlie is for you. The soul-pop singer songwriter draws on a wide variety of musical inspirations which gives her sound a spicy edge. 2020 enabled Jess to soak up new influences and refine her songwriting at a pace which has cultivated the artist a fresh, determined mindset. After already selling out her own Melbourne shows, Jess plans to release three more singles before an official EP at the end of 2021. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the extraordinary Jess Fairlie.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Bullshit’, ‘Perfect Disappointment’, ‘Senses’

Ange

Hailing from Spain, Sydney’s Ange has a knack for intimate reflections including goosebump-inducing vocals. Her most recent effort is an empowering number that breaks through the barriers caused by imposter syndrome. ‘Coming for U’ features Ange’s signature soulful sound and chilled out hip hop rhythms, inviting listeners to slowly groove into a tranquil state of serene bliss. The exciting artist was introduced to a plethora of soundscapes at an early age which helped her form the sonic identity that we hear today. Quite possibly the most striking aspect of Ange’s music is the lush flipping between English and Spanish vocals. With a number of comparisons to highly accredited artists already, we’re delighted to add Mallrat to the list.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Coming for U’, ‘Qué Pasó’, ‘Dead To Each Other’

5 Artists You’ll Love if You’re a Tones And I Fan...

Whatever your thoughts are of Tones And I, it’s an undeniable fact that her rise to international stardom is nothing short of spectacular. Busking in the streets of Byron Bay back in 2018, Toni Watson AKA Tones And I soon became the most spoken name in the music industry. She made chart history in 2019 when she became the first artist to spend 24 weeks at #1 on the ARIA singles chart with ‘Dance Monkey’. The global smash hit has reached #1 in 30 countries, amassed over seven billion streams and was the most streamed song globally for over four months. Amongst a number of platinum certifications, ‘Dance Monkey’ also became the most Shazamed song of all time and is now one of the highest-streamed songs in Spotify history. Best of all, Tones hasn’t let the fame go to her head.

“I’m just going to do what I do and be who I am”

— Tones And I

After winning almost every breakthrough award available and appearing on some of TV’s biggest shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Voice and NBC’s Today show, Tones is shaping up to be the Aussie artist of a generation.

 As Tones And I continues to rock the world with her unique yet powerful indie-pop sound, we found five emerging acts you’ll love if you’re a fan of the Mornington Peninsula raised musician.

Mila Nile

If you’re a sucker for an infectiously catchy tune like ‘Dance Monkey’, the indie-pop gems of Mila Nile are for you. This musician blends future-funk influences with pulsating ‘80s basslines and 808-powered beats to create impressive late-night bops. Dubbed “an extremely smart pop queen,” Mila says the inspiration for her latest track ‘Break My Heart To The Beat’ came from a fascination of how we find ways to cope with emotionally draining experiences. The song which emanates a certain melancholic euphoria heralds the start of a new era for Mila Nile, who has been busy crafting a suite of new songs set for release over the coming months.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Too Much Like Love’, ‘Young Hearts’, ‘Break My Heart to the Beat’

BEXX

This boss electronic producer and performance artist from Perth is one of, if not the most promising around right now. BEXX’s discography promises heavy bass lines, four to the floor beats and dreamy vocals, and are marked with the signature of an emphasis on blending harmonic choral swells with hard-hitting production. Performing at some of the hottest raves, parties and club nights, Bexx has already shared the stage with some of Australia’s biggest artists, such as Peking Duk, G Flip, Ruel and Cosmos Midnight. The artist has already released a debut self-titled 5-track EP and has more lined up in the coming months. As the hype around Bexx gets bigger, get in on it while you can!

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Hold Tight’, ‘All I Ever Wanted’, ‘I Lose It’

AYA YVES

Aya Yves bears tranquil, calming qualities in her music which allows haunting tones to settle within the listener and transport them to a place of power. The Cooma-born, Canberra native has continued to prove her prominent status within the pop space and display her natural storytelling ability through angelic vocal tones and powerful songwriting. With a love of pushing boundaries and breaking expectations, Aya contrasts light airy vocals with dark, brooding and quirky production reminiscent of Tones And I. This artist’s otherworldly vocal abilities and honest approach to songwriting are quickly making her one of the biggest emerging names in Australian pop.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Brave’, ‘(in)Sanity’, ‘Dear E.’

Laura Adeline

Perth based musician Laura Adeline is a vocal force to be reckoned with. With only two songs to her name, the 21-year-old indie artist is a talented storyteller who has a knack for subtle sass. While Laura’s sound is somewhat more pulsating, it’s the production which has parallels to Tones And I. Laura’s gently lush songs invite the listener to sing along through relatable lyricism and memorable rhythms. The result comes from the hard work of both her and James Newhouse, who has collaborated with bands such as San Cisco and Birds of Tokyo. Most importantly, Laura is only just getting started.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Educate Yourself’, ‘Message Bank’

EVIE

Following her exploration of the indie-pop genre, EVIE has proved she can also hone melodic, darker-pop influences to present sonically engaging music. The Brisbane musician has an undeniable talent for rewriting sprightly experiences to a collection of impactful melodies and chiming guitars lines. Her most recent track ‘Swinging On The Balcony’ is a complete representation of EVIE as a songwriter who has undergone personal and artistic development over the last year. The hopeful track about letting go highlights the musician’s striking vocals and warmth on the microphone. As EVIE continues to stretch the boundaries of genre in a style similar to Tones And I, make sure you give her a listen.

Good Starting Tracks: ‘Swinging On The Balcony’, ‘For You I Would’

Australia's Answer To: Kendrick Lamar

I think we can all agree good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN are some of, if not the world’s best rap albums of recent years. Compton raised musician Kendrick Lamar AKA Cornrow Kenny, K-Dot, King Kendrick, King Kunta, Kung Fu Kenny, and Man Man has come a long way from writing stories and putting music to them as a child. The monumental artist has won 160 awards from 399 nominations which include 13 Grammys and a Pulitzer Prize for his latest album DAMN.

With tours organised for the UK and Europe before COVID-19 hit, fans were expecting to hear new Kenny sooner than expected. But like much of this year, we were left high and dry. While we can speculate on the album release and when he’ll tour next, we at Good Intent decided to find the next best thing: Australia’s answer to Kendrick Lamar. And man, were we spoilt for choice.

Click here to listen to Kirklandd

The first discovery is a unique member of Canberra’s burgeoning music scene, Kirklandd. He has garnered a considerable following through his blend of alt-pop and hip-hop. Crafting his style from early influences like Nas, Lupe Fiasco and Rakim, the artist frequently marries this golden age with a progressive style of music. Kirklandd’s ‘SIIYE’ explores a fresh melodic direction; featuring a distinct 90s-inspired flow as he reveals the painful moment where a past relationship came to an end. ‘SIIYE’ is the first time he’s combined both his hip hop and punk influences, and as a result, we’re planted in a feeling that pairs the intensity of punk with a more vulnerable approach to storytelling. Drawing inspiration from artists like Post Malone, Iann Dior and 6lack, Kirklandd’s sound has a distinct melodic style with strong punk undertones.

Click here to hear Saint Lane

Next up is the Gold Coast’s Saint Lane. Following his breakthrough 12 months which saw a string of powerful singles, his most recent release ‘Altar of the Heartless’ showcases his Kendrick-like knack for fusing genres. The new single explores Lane’s spiral into addiction and depression which stemmed from the sudden loss of his father in 2019. “I thought if I ignored my reality it would go away but discovered that it's easier to self- destruct than face the truth,” he said. Having recently supported Lime Cordiale at over a dozen of their album tour shows, the musician has been building a loyal following on both the local and global scale for a while now. If you haven’t yet prayed at the altar of Saint Lane, now is the time to convert and get down to one of his November/December shows!

Click here to listen to Mali Jo$e

Whether it’s the distorted vocals, contagious beats or down to earth lyricism, Mali Jo$e has an undeniable Kung Fu Kenny feel with echoes of Frank Ocean and J. Cole. The Perth musician brings an energetic take on alt-hip hop by painting a colourful picture with an impeccably smooth flow. ‘Ladybird’ is an excellent example of this, as he lays a series of intense bars over a delightfully sinister beat. Despite the unfortunate events of 2020, Mali had a huge 2019; hitting the top of the Triple J Unearthed charts, playing to a huge crowd at Groovin The Moo Bunbury and scoring a WAM Hip Hop Act Of The Year nomination. Whilst the future is not known, the effervescent, enthusiastic vibrations of Mali Jo$e are looking to lead the charge in the industry.

Click here to hear IJALE

If you’re looking for an artist with the ‘HUMBLE’ rapper’s effortless swagger and natural Soul, RnB, and Hip-Hop talent, IJALE is your guy. His latest playfully bodacious single ‘XXL’ features shimmering keys, crisp percussion and off the cuff lyrics which work in cohesion to produce a brazen banger. IJALE says the track is about not needing hella followers or heaps of cash to be on top of your game. “The song is basically me talking my shit, feeling confident about life, about my choices, about my path and the people I had around me at the time,” he said. The producer/vocalist/performer is self-contained, blending a myriad of Afrocentric sounds and western influences that reflect his Nigerian heritage, Australian upbringing and the multifaceted taste of an open-minded listener of the internet age. After being cooped up in Melbourne’s devastating lockdown, IJALE’s sound is more refined than ever.

Click here to listen to Sam Hunter

Finally, we have Sam Hunter. Whilst he may not have the flow of K-Dot, his blend of raw vocals and smooth instrumentation resembles those of Kendrick Lamar. With years of experience under different projects, Sam Hunter rebranded in 2016 and hasn’t looked back. Since starting an event in Sydney’s Redfern which has featured more than 15 artists over 25 shows, the hip-hop artist known for his versatile and energetic performances is now looking to support the youth of his community so they can pursue future creative endeavours. Sam Hunter has really kicked it into gear this year and is only just getting started.

PREMIERE: Declan Florez creates a harmonic masterpiece with his new single, ‘My Place’

Following the February release of ‘Chillz – Remix’, Declan Florez has just unveiled his new hypnotising single ‘My Place’.

The track tells a story of lust; longing to be with that person who can’t escape your thoughts.

Declan says he was in a super nostalgic place when he wrote the song – one which he isn’t usually in.

“I was really able to pull from something within my past experiences," he said.

With the help of Brisbane based producer Harry Fox, ‘My Place’ echoes a sentiment of isolation which we’ve all come to know throughout 2020.

“I wanted to craft something that I hope most people can relate to.”

— Declan Florez

The entrancing beat is accentuated by the musician’s alluring harmonies which work in cohesion to take the listener on a reminiscent journey.

There’s no doubt ‘My Place’ hits all the right feels.

PREMIERE: Joy In Motion experiment with Rock & EDM on their impressive new single, ‘Worlds Apart’

Joy In Motion

The emerging Brisbane rock four-piece have created a new single which brings an impressively EDM-influenced sound.

While the instrumentation of Joy In Motion’s ‘Worlds Apart’ can be described as both exciting and infectious, the subject matter explores darker themes.

Vocalist Jake Solway says the song about watching a relationship crumble, and doing everything in your power to stop it.

“It’s definitely our most pop song to date with [the] highest amount of production put into it,” he said.

To ensure the release was the best it could possibly be, the band enabled ARIA nominated producer Stuart Stuart to produce, mix, and master the tune. Additionally, music cinematographer Andrew Vaughan directed and produced the captivating music video which features an undeniable choreographic flare (watch below).

After forming in 2016, Jake, Carly, Joshua and Jesse quickly learned how to make an alternative rock banger – the most notable examples being ‘Casual Enemy’ and ‘Stardust’. Since then, they’ve refined their style even further which is instantly recognisable on ‘Worlds Apart’.

Joy In Motion have once again cemented their spot as one of Queensland’s most promising young bands.

PREMIERE: Sheralyn May reflects on hiding emotions in her new vocally strong single, ‘Baby You’

Following the success of her previous single ‘Fool For You’, 21-year old Pop/RnB artist Sheralyn May has revealed her newest track, ‘Baby You’.

‘Baby You’ effectively showcases the strong vocal capacity of the musician in a catchy, upbeat manner. The song reflects on the inescapable emotions involved with falling in love and expresses the significance of letting things unfold naturally.

“It is important to not get overwhelmed with your emotions, and to not to overthink,” she said.

Throughout the uncertain year Sheralyn, like many of us, has focused on avoiding negativity by looking at the bright side of things. But as she was writing ‘Baby You’, she felt the urge to try something different.

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone.”

— Sheralyn May

After spending a number of years playing around Melbourne, Sheralyn’s musical talent and style is comparable to that of Ariana Grande.

We cannot wait to hear what’s next from this vocally strong musician. Be the first to listen to ‘Baby You’ before it officially releases tomorrow (28/09/20). 

PREMIERE: JAMIE BVLLET tackles negative self-talk on new single, ‘Something’s More than Nothing’

Following the release of his catchy single ‘Animals’, JAMIE BVLLET will unveil his new piercing single ‘Something’s More than Nothing’ tomorrow (25/09).

JAMIE effortlessly pairs honest lyricism with acoustic instrumentation and soaring harmonies; creating a delicious slice of indie-rock garnished with a touch of folk-pop.

However, the ballad’s sound is juxtaposed by its subject matter.

JAMIE BVLLET explains: 

“I’ve lived with body dysmorphia and pretty low self-esteem for quite a while, and throughout 2020 I’ve been learning to recognise and grow through it… From my experience as a gay man the expectations regarding body image and identity can be pretty crippling,” he said.

“There’s so much pressure to be perfect, especially with the influence of social media.”

— JAMIE BVLLET

The musician says the uplifting track was written in about five minutes after he heard a distinctive chord progression on the TV.

“I know it’s still a pretty melancholy song, but the main line of the chorus is about believing in yourself, even when you feel like you’re not worth much”.

If Aussie music heavyweights Vance Joy and Dean Lewis were to make a tune, this is exactly what it would sound like.

Stream ‘Something’s More than Nothing’ now.

PREMIERE: Cotter Unleashes Her Dreamily Organic Debut Album, Version 6

After releasing her debut single ‘Breakup Haircut’ and following it up with ‘Doobie Song’, the Melbourne based indie rocker known as Cotter seeks simplistic songs as an antidote to a chaotic existence.

Her debut album is both earnest and uplifting; it blends elements of acoustic rock, folk and pop.

Version 6 carries the listener from start to finish by telling the story of a woman as she walks through life, fighting for her place and worth. Recorded over summer, the artist used an intro within the LP to make it feel like the listener was entering a different world.

Described as “a literal daydream”, ‘One Day’ serves as a reminder for the musician to take things one step at a time and let roads reveal themselves.

“It's all the wonderings and images I had in my head and when I sing it I feel like I'm chillin’ on clouds”.

Being the first song the artist ever wrote, ‘We only had today’ illustrates the pain of being lied to. Similarly, ‘Maybe I might’ was written when Cotter felt particularly rejected and left out in the cold.

“We used the original recording and added loop samples with an old tape deck, you could hear my leaky tap in the back which gave us the idea to add the rain sounds and we happened to record one of the biggest storms of the summer,” she said.

Ambient bird songs can be heard on ‘Oh my darling’ which give the song a warm, nostalgic feel. ‘TBC’ proved to be a difficult song to write for the guitar, which made the final result all the more sweeter. Cotter believes the track doesn't go where you think it will and has its own vibe.

On ‘Captain Space Cadet’, Cotter makes known her refusal to take life seriously.

“I don’t know if I’m going to make it to 80 so I’m sure as s**t gonna have a good time now in case I don’t.”

— Cotter

Listen to the wholesome album that is Version 6 before it releases tomorrow (25/09/20).

PREMIERE: Low Key Crush create the perfect accompaniment for beach drives

In their first outing as a two piece, Low Key Crush have delivered a breezy, upbeat indie pop banger. 

After recent releases ‘Shelter’ and ‘When You Were Leaving’ pricked the ears of Spotify, Triple J and radio stations around the country, Low Key Crush have set their sights on a louder, more energetic sound.

Taking inspiration from the likes of Waaves and Ty Segall, ‘Been Waiting’ is driven by drummer Taycian’s punchy beat which lays the ground work for singer/guitarist Tim’s fuzz-laden strings to waft over the top of the surf-rock influenced track. 

Lyrically, Tim sings of impatience in love which is driven home by the eternally relatable chorus line, “all my life I’ve been trying to find something”.

With guitar riffs reminiscent of recent Eliza and the Delusionals and a catchy-as chorus, we predict ‘Been Waiting’ will make for the perfect accompaniment to a windows-down drive home from the beach.

Stream ‘Been Waiting’ today before it’s released to the world on 21/09/2020.

PREMIERE: Raro Brings the Heat on New EP, Warm Blooded

This Sydney based alternative hip hop artist has been creating a distinct brand of music for a while now, with his debut single and album receiving substantial radio and fan attention.

Raro’s new EP Warm Blooded is a considerably impressive effort which may just be his best yet. From the lyricism to the production, every track brings something special to suit any mood.

‘Headless Geisha’ is a bold tune which paints the experience of forming an idea and executing it through innate bass hits and electronic melodies. Written during the cusp of a very difficult time, ‘Big Playground’ speaks on the musician’s hopes and dreams, along with dealing with the pressures of reality. Raro purposely adds lyrical reminders for himself to never swim in doubt. With a running theme of romance throughout the EP, ‘Apple’ embodies how the artist felt during the creation of this project. Moreover, ‘Aversion’ serves as a powerful call to never look away or lose focus on the things that you love and define you. For Raro, it’s his battle to stay committed to his creative passions. The track features alternating instrumental sections which effectively illustrate alternating thoughts and emotions. ‘We Found Him’ is an angsty stream of consciousness which acts as an ode to the pop culture Raro loves. With sinister vocals and a rhythm reminiscent of Tyler The Creator’s ground-breaking 2011 album Goblin, the song is filled to the brim with punchy sounds straight from an action film.

“The lyrics [of ‘We Found Him’] show a more cynical and honest side of myself, dressed with a boppy dissonance”

— Raro

With a sound that is already the perfect blend of BROCKHAMPTON, Childish Gambino and Tyler The Creator, Raro is only just getting started. Be the first to stream Warm Blooded below.

PREMIERE: Jimmy Harwood and Chaddy.B team up for a dreamily sun-bathed EP, Instinct

After collaborating on The Water EP earlier this year, Instinct sees the two musical mates exploring a more acoustic, chilled out sound. Recorded before isolation, the project sounds like it’s bathed in sunshine and is filled to the brim with catchy melodies and smooth guitars.

Standout first track ‘Roslyn’ blends sparse, dreamy production with heartfelt lyrics of a relationship turned sour. ‘Forest Fire’ carefully balances a silky smooth bed of guitars under a vocal melody reminiscent of ‘Holocene’ era Bon Iver. The pace picks up on the final track ‘Warpaint’ where the boys mix bouncy acoustic guitars with a sparse, hip hop inspired drum pattern.

The whole EP is carried by its understated production that really allows the vocals to shine. Both Jimmy and Chad clearly have a knack for layering vocal harmonies to create songs bigger than the sum of their parts. 

Instinct sounds like a project by two musicians who have found their sound and are destined for big things. With Jimmy releasing another EP in September, 2020 will continue to be a landmark year for both artists.

PREMIERE: Breakfast Road’s Psychedelic New Single is Nothing Less Than a Knockout

Breakfast Road’s smooth, melancholic style continues to push boundaries as they fuse traditional rock sensibilities with modern pop songwriting – particularly in their new single, ‘Can You?’.

As the first track they’ve released post lockdown, the band wanted to create an imaginative landscape for listeners to get lost in.

‘Can You?’ features a steady beat, catchy bassline, wailing acoustic section and infectious vocal melody. Additionally, the track’s atmospheric audio includes danceable sounds from Street Fighter II which accentuates its psychedelic production.

“Maybe post lockdown, we can play it live and everyone can dance with us… but for the time being, we want everyone to dance themselves silly in the bedroom,” they said.

As previously discussed in our ‘Australia’s Answer to The Strokes’ article, Breakfast Road know exactly how to create impressively psychedelic rock music reminiscent of The Strokes, Tame Impala and Roosevelt.

“The world around us is pretty miserable at the moment, so we really wanted to do things to the song that put a smile on our faces.”

— Breakfast Road

Make sure you stream ‘Can You?’ before it releases on 21/08/20.

PREMIERE: Clariyah Bo$$ Unleashes a Powerful Warning on New Single, 'BVNTA'

Following the release of her bold first single ‘Green Hunnids’, Clariyah Bo$$ has returned with a new head turning, drill-laced single 'BVNTA'.

After a somewhat eerie opening, Clariyah instantly brings the heat with rapidly powerful lyricism – especially when the beat drops.

“’BVNTA’ is the savage/sassy side of me… It’s basically saying don’t act brand new.”

— Clariyah Bo$$

'BVNTA' reminds listeners that Clariyah hasn’t forgotten where she came from as she rides a booming drill beat by Sydney producer Utility (Snoee Badman, Lil Jaye) as confidently and as effortlessly as any of her counterparts.

Remarkably, the independent Polynesian/Australian artist from Melbourne's South-East has racked up a jaw-dropping 224,000 YouTube subscribers whilst steadily achieving music industry acclaim.

Clariyah Bo$$ leads the charge for female artists within the culture and as heard within the track, her talent is uncontrollable. You don’t want to miss this freight train of a song.

PREMIERE: Rami Encourages Listeners to Break Away from Negativity on New Single, ‘Eclipse’

Rami’s new single ‘Eclipse’ is astronomically impressive.

After going through a rough breakup, the Perth singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist used the experience to work on his weaknesses and develop his strengths.

“Finding myself at my most vulnerable was a blessing in disguise… I was able to reflect on the circles I was hanging in and see things for how they really were.”

— Rami

Moreover, Rami has found himself a lot more in tune with his emotions throughout the COVID-19 period as he’s spent considerable time alone in iso.

“Playing the drums was a definite [figurative] punching bag when times got stressful and lonely… I’d lose myself in the beat,” he said.

The song is slight side-step from Rami’s previous work sonically, emphasizing energy and drive. He teamed up with local producer Lawsxn for the track, merging hip-hop’s hard hitting 808s with punk’s distorted vocals whilst maintaining his distinct style.

‘Eclipse’ serves as a massive ‘f**k you’ to anyone who only ever offers negativity. Have the first listen below.

PREMIERE: Bailey Judd Tackles Dark Themes on New Single, ‘Black Mould’

Baliey Judd takes a brutally honest look into toxic relationships and the internal rot they expose on his fresh single, inspired by the emotional turmoil of self-isolation.

‘Black Mould’ mourns the end of a love with reverb and lush guitar layers, complimented by Tame Impala-esque synths and production. By blending his jazz and contemporary influences, Bailey effectively leads the listener through a maze of disarray and romantic disappointment throughout the tune.

The Melburnian says the track came together after a week of writing, meditating and taking reflective walks to avoid anxiety during isolation.

“This time has taken a huge toll on society’s mental health however there is a general feeling that we’re all learning so much about ourselves… I’ve felt like I’ve put into words personal truths I wouldn’t have admitted to myself before this crazy journey.”

— Bailey Judd

Since it premiered on Good Intent, Bailey’s previous single received an overwhelming wave of support, being dubbed “a real indie pop lucky dip” by Triple J’s Dave Ruby Howe… and ‘Black Mould’ is no different.

You don’t want to miss this one.

PREMIERE: Zachary Leo Tells a Vulnerable Tale of Intimacy on His New Single ‘Feels’

Zachary Leo’s latest (extremely impressive) effort has hit us straight in the feels.

Fittingly titled ‘Feels’, the single is a bold blend of funk, rock, and soul. It explores heartbreak, self-destruction, and love; taking musical inspiration from the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jamiroquai, and the early works of Maroon 5.

Written in the early hours of the morning, the song covers both the excitement and fear of love through the use of smooth production and emotional lyrics.

Zachary’s mixture of guitars, organs, keys, and exciting bass lines along with powerful vocals has garnered him a healthy following since 2019, particularly after supporting the likes of Thirsty Merc and Pacific Avenue.

Finding his inner soul and utilising familiar guitar licks simultaneously, the fresh track looms as a glimpse into what Zachary Leo has in store for the future.

Be the first to stream ‘Feels’, the first single off Zachary Leo’s upcoming EP, below.

PREMIERE: Rosalind Takes Aim At Online Trolls on New Single

Rosalind, the captivatingly catchy Melbourne artist, has returned with a new pop-rock anthem about resilience.

‘Really You’re a Nice Kid’ instantly reels in the listener with a heady rhythm, unique harmony, and considerably catchy pre-chorus. The song serves as an anthem for those facing online negativity or online abuse.

Moreover, Rosalind says the advice “don’t look at negative comments” is obsolete and not at all constructive.

“I imagine ‘trolls’ can’t be unaffected by the things anonymity allows them to say. In a way, ‘Really You’re A Nice Kid’ is both a love letter to them, and a promise to myself.”

— Rosalind

After debuting her self-titled EP last year, Rosalind was dubbed a talented, emotionally aware and captivating storyteller who writes deeply personal and emotive rock music.

Additionally, flavours of Florence + The Machine, Lorde, Joan Baez, and Amália Rodrigues can be heard in the musician’s distinct sound.

Fans can expect Rosalind to be hitting festival stages both solo and with her four-piece band once ‘rona restrictions ease. 

PREMIERE: Suami Amabel Celebrates Vulnerability on New Single, 'International Line'

Hailing from the South Coast of New South Wales, prepare yourself for the incredibly acoustic style of Suami Amabel.

The 23-year-old indie/folk artist intertwines dreamy instrumentals and hearty, guttural vocals in her new single ‘International Line’, bringing a genuine and heartfelt passion to the lyricism. Moreover, her rusty voice and gentle guitar melodies are inspired by the musical skill of Janis Joplin and Justin Vernon.

Suami says she’s definitely learnt a lot throughout the last few months, particularly in trying to use the extra downtime wisely.

“Alec [Brinsmead], my beautiful band (Hugh Van Schaick and Evangeline Read) and I ended up recording the rest of the track at a distance, from each of our respective living rooms across Sydney”.

“In a strange way, it felt really serendipitous for the band and I to be able to finish the track in such curious circumstances!”

— Suami Amabel

Suami Amabel also finished writing her next two EPs in iso! However, make sure you listen to ‘International Line’ before the EPs release!

PREMIERE: Slinky Reflects Modern Society in New Single, 'Vampire'

Following his impressive previous release ‘Crazy’, Slinky has returned with yet another catchy effort that explores themes of greed, addiction, consumerism and the effects of celebrity culture.

Recorded in his Sydney bedroom and released on his own label Slinky Sounds, ‘Vampire’ effectively highlights the intoxicating allure of excess and narcissism saturating today’s world.

Though, the inspiration for the single came from not being able to sleep at night before evolving into a much bigger concept.

“I had just come back to Australia after a few months of living in London and I was extremely jet lagged.”

— Slinky

The musician paints a caricature of a person who is only able to identify with the narratives of corporations through the use of subtle irony. Sonically, Slinky’s voice moves from silky smooth to emotionally gritty as soaring synths, R&B grooves and psychedelic guitars create an extraordinary soundscape. 

With influences like Tame Impala, SZA and Arctic Monkeys, the soul infused synth rock banger is not one you want to miss.

Be the first to listen below.