AUS MUSIC T-SHIRT DAY!
Hello good friends, and a very Happy Aus Music T-Shirt Day! It’s one of our favourite days of the year here at Backbeat, and to celebrate, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Bendigo Records to take you through some of the crews’ chosen shirts of 2024.
To donate to Support Act, click here!
Hello good friends, and a very Happy Aus Music T-Shirt Day! It’s one of our favourite days of the year here at Backbeat, and to celebrate, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Bendigo Records to take you through some of the crews’ chosen shirts of 2024.
New to AMT-S Day? Let’s catch you up to speed. Today is an annual day where we celebrate the beauty and comradery of the Australian Live Music scene. The day started out way back in 2013 as a time to recognise the incredible talents of your favourite local legends, before 2017, when the support grew with the aid of legends, Support Act.
Their mission? To assist those within the industry who were facing hardships- aiding in crisis relief, access to mental health and wellbeing services and providing dedicated First Nations support.
Now, I’m gonna ask the silly question, and I know, it’s painful, but I have to. Why should you support today? Simple answer- you shouldn’t just support today. You should do as much as you can, to support this beautiful industry everyday. No matter who you are, no matter your involvement, every single one of us in someway, shape or form, has had our own experience with Australian music. Whether you’re a budding musician, a touring photographer, a punter at a show or you’re in the dairy aisle at a Coles hearing what could be, an earworm of a song- this industry is the backbone of our every day to day. It’s our bread and butter, the thing some of us get up early in the morning for, and the very thing that puts some of us to bed at night.
The Australian Music Scene is a beauty, and we should do everything within our powers to maintain it, and let it thrive. That means supporting every single person who aided in the creation, to the delivery of the music- they’re worth it.
Okay let’s do a quick checklist. We’ve got our favourite t-shirt on, we’re blasting local legends through the stereo, we’re screaming to the world about our love for live music- now, what else can we do?
There’s a few ways you can donate (if you have the means to). Firstly, BUY A SHIRT! Support Act has a big team of Aus Music legends that are donating a portion of their profits, with some artists donating 100%, to the organisation through the website. Buying your favourite artists’ merch, AND supporting the industry? Sounds like a win win!
If your closet is chockers and you can’t fit another shirt in your wardrobe; you can also donate via Fundraisers (listed on the website), or easily enough, you can donate straight to Support Act.
Even if you can’t donate, you can still show your support by posting a flick of you in your chosen shirt, and post it to socials using the tag, #AusMusicTshirtDay. Every little bit counts.
Show the world how great Australian Music is. Because it is.
To celebrate, we gathered our team to showcase their favourite acts from around the nation. See if there’s any acts that have caught your fancy!
GRETA VAN FLEET: 5 Essential Tracks to Check Out Ahead of Australian Tour This Month
Grammy Award Winning U.S. Rock act GRETA VAN FLEET are set to make their highly anticipated return to Australian and New Zealand shores this August for the first time since 2019.
Grammy Award Winning U.S. Rock act GRETA VAN FLEET are set to make their highly anticipated return to Australian and New Zealand shores this August for the first time since 2019. Having sold out their Brisbane Fortitude Music Hall show on August 21st, they recently announced a second show at the Brisbane venue on August 22nd. Following that, they’ll play Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on August 24th and the Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne on August 27th before jumping over the ditch to Auckland to play Spark Arena on August 30th where they will be joined by Colorado primal rock trio THE VELVETEERS.
The Frankenmuth, Michigan natives formed in 2012, consisting of brothers - vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka and bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka – who were then joined by drummer Danny Wagner. The band announced their arrival on the scene in a massive way in 2017 with their EP From The Fires, which won Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.
Their meteoric rise continued with the release of their critically acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gate which was released in 2021 and debuted at #1 Billboard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Hard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Vinyl Album, #2 Billboard Top Album Sales and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. 2023’s Starcatcher album also crashed into the Billboard Top 200 chart at #8 which has seen GRETA VAN FLEET entrenched as a fully-fledged Rock Powerhouse!
Grab your tickets here: gretavanfleet.com & livenation.com.au & livenation.co.nz
We reveal the Top 5 Essential GRETA VAN FLEET tunes to check out ahead of their Australian Tour later this month.
1. Highway Tune
‘Highway Tune,’ is the breakout single originally from their debut EP Black Smoke Rising, is a raw, high-energy rock anthem that catapults listeners back to the golden age of rock 'n' roll. The track, released in 2017, showcases the band's deep-rooted influences while carving out a distinctive sound that resonates with contemporary audiences.
From the very first riff, ‘Highway Tune’ makes an immediate impact. The song opens with a blistering guitar intro that sets the tone for what's to come—an unapologetic homage to classic rock. Jake Kiszka's guitar work is reminiscent of Jimmy Page, delivering electrifying riffs and solos that are both familiar and fresh. His playing is precise yet ferocious, capturing the spirit of rock legends while injecting his own flair.
Josh Kiszka's vocals are a standout feature, drawing inevitable comparisons to Robert Plant. His voice soars with a powerful range and intensity, bringing a passionate and almost primal energy to the track. On ‘Highway Tune’ Greta Van Fleet manages to bridge the gap between past and present, proving that rock 'n' roll is very much alive and kicking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJg4OJxp-co
2. Safari Song
‘Safari Song’ stands out as a potent reminder of the band's classic rock roots and their capacity to deliver a powerhouse performance. It’s clear that Greta Van Fleet is channelling the spirit of the 70s. The riff-heavy intro, driven by Jake Kiszka’s gritty guitar work, grabs the listener’s attention and doesn't let go. His guitar tone is both vintage and vibrant, delivering a riff that feels as timeless as it does electrifying. Sam Kiszka's bass line complements this perfectly, providing a groove that propels the track forward with a relentless drive.
Josh Kiszka’s vocals are a highlight here. His range and delivery are reminiscent of the legendary classic rock vocalists but with a fresh, youthful edge. He brings a sense of urgency and passion to the lyrics, which revolve around themes of freedom and adventure. The lyrics evoke a sense of wild escapism, adding a layer of lyrical allure to the musical intensity.
‘Safari Song’ is a triumphant declaration of Greta Van Fleet's musical identity. It’s a high-octane, nostalgic journey through the heart of rock ‘n’ roll, delivered with a youthful intensity that marks the band’s early work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lfBC6S9qVM
3. Light My Love
‘Light My Love’ is a song that stands out with its emotive depth and powerful instrumentation. The band, often compared to 70’s rock legends continue to carve out their own niche with this track from their 2021 album, The Battle at Garden's Gate.
The song opens with a gentle, piano-driven melody, creating an immediate sense of intimacy and tenderness. Josh Kiszka's distinctive vocals soar with emotional clarity, capturing the listener's attention from the first note. His voice, filled with a raw yet controlled passion, pairs beautifully with the song's poignant lyrics, which speak of love, connection, and the power of emotional support.
‘Light My Love’ showcases Greta Van Fleet's ability to balance classic rock influences with their own unique sound. The song's structure, building from a gentle beginning to a powerful crescendo, keeps the listener engaged throughout. Lyrically, ‘Light My Love’ is heartfelt and sincere. It speaks to the universal experience of seeking and offering love and support in times of need and is a testament to Greta Van Fleet's growth as a band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl2eioeM4xQ
4. Black Smoke Rising
‘Black Smoke Rising’ is a thunderous testament to the band’s ability to channel the raw, unadulterated energy of classic rock into a modern context it grips listeners with its powerful, riff-heavy introduction. The song’s instrumental prowess is immediately evident, with Josh Kiszka’s sizzling vocals cutting through the mix like a bolt of lightning and brings an urgent, primal energy to the track, while the instrumental backing is a blend of gritty guitar riffs, thunderous drumming by Danny Wagner, and a driving bassline courtesy of Sam Kiszka that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in retro rock revival. The guitar work, reminiscent of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, is both intricate and powerful, drawing comparisons to Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. However, Greta Van Fleet doesn’t merely imitate their predecessors; they infuse the sound with their own youthful exuberance and modern sensibility. The song’s high-energy dynamics are felt as much as they are heard, making it a compelling listen from start to finish.
It’s a song that not only pays homage to the giants of rock but also charts a bold path forward for the band’s future. Greta Van Fleet’s reverence for the genre’s roots is evident, but they also bring their own distinctive flair to the table, making this track a standout in their discography. It’s a song that not only pays homage to the giants of rock but also charts a bold path forward for the band’s future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cepUUKMp1g
5. Heat Above
‘Heat Above’ from their 2021 album The Battle at Garden's Gate is a stunning showcase of the band's evolution and maturation. They have taken a significant leap with this track, blending their classic influences with a more expansive, ambitious approach.
From the first notes of ‘Heat Above,’ it’s clear that Greta Van Fleet is not content with merely echoing the sounds of rock's past. The track opens with a sweeping, orchestral introduction that sets a grand tone. The arrangements and cinematic flair are a departure from their earlier, raw rock edges, suggesting a new level of sophistication and emotional depth.
The song’s structure is expansive, featuring a dynamic build-up that transitions from a tender, piano-driven verse to a powerful, anthemic chorus. Josh Kiszka's vocals are mind-blowing and powered with newfound maturity and emotional resonance. He manages to convey both vulnerability and intensity, striking a balance that adds a layer of depth to the song. Since its release, ‘Heat Above’ has been met with acclaim for its ambitious sound and the band's willingness to push their boundaries. Critics have noted the song as a standout track on The Battle at Garden's Gate, highlighting it as a key moment in the band’s career where they solidify their identity while still honouring their influences.
GOOD GRIEF HAVE ‘BEEN HERE BEFORE’- NEW EP, UPCOMING REMIX’S, WORKING WITH MICKEY KOJACK, & BEING IN NORTH QUEENSLAND
Good Grief's music defies categorization, blending various styles and moods effortlessly. With their debut EP on the horizon and a remix of "SUN" in the works, the future looks incredibly promising for this dynamic duo. Our friends at Subculture chatted to the guys for all things ‘Good Grief’ and their new EP ‘Been Here Before’.
The electrifying duo hailing from Magnetic Island, Yunbenun, and Townsville's Gurrambilbarra, known as Good Grief, have set the music scene abuzz with the announcement of their much-anticipated debut EP, "Been Here Before,".
This EP not only serves as a cornerstone in their budding discography but also lays down a marker for their future musical endeavors.
The lead track of the EP, "NOMO," emerged from an intense writing session on Magnetic Island, where the duo immersed themselves in a makeshift studio for a week. This track not only guided the thematic direction of the EP but also set the tone stylistically, blending dark house elements with euphoric synth waves. Felix, one half of Good Grief, describes "NOMO" as a journey through dark times, finding solace in reflection, and ultimately moving forward.
"Been Here Before" is a testament to Good Grief's artistic journey, touching upon profound ideologies like growth and resilience. While the EP occasionally delves into darker themes, there's always a glimmer of hope that shines through, showcasing the duo's ability to navigate through contrasting emotions working with Producer, and Mixer ‘Mickey Kojack’
Jake, the other half of Good Grief, reflects on the EP's creative process, highlighting the contrast between their older and newer tracks. He emphasizes how this journey has not only shaped their sound but also allowed them to explore new musical territories, marking a significant evolution for the duo.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences spanning from Dilla to Chic, Good Grief seamlessly fuses their distinct musical backgrounds with a shared passion for modern dance music. Their debut single, "Sun," garnered immediate attention, earning them accolades like a premiere on Triple J Unearthed and features in prominent indie playlists.
Both Felix and Jake bring a wealth of experience to the table, with Felix having performed as a professional dancer to sold-out audiences globally, while Jake has honed his production skills playing at festivals and clubs across Australia and New Zealand. Their recent sold-out New Year's Eve show in Townsville is a testament to their growing popularity and magnetic stage presence.
Good Grief's music defies categorization, blending various styles and moods effortlessly. With their debut EP on the horizon and a remix of "SUN" in the works, the future looks incredibly promising for this dynamic duo. Keep a close watch on their socials for updates and immerse yourself in the electrifying world of Good Grief.
How are you Jake & Felix?
J - lovely thanks!
F- Really good thanks!
How’s the weather up north at the moment?
J - The weather is very tropical at the moment, its either very hot or raining. I love this time of year because we’re coming out of the full summer heat and everything starts to green up.
Give our readers an insight into Good Grief, and how you and Felix came together?
J - Felix and I had been friends since about 2018 and immediately clicked as friends, we had heaps in common. Around 2019 I started working at a local live music venue / night club and Felix learnt how to DJ and he became a regular playing shows with us. Eventually Felix picked up the guitar again and started doing cover gigs and writing original songs. One thing kinda lead to another and we started working together.
During that period i was focusing on a different project called “Hood Rich” which was house music focused and with covid taking our clubs for so long my writing shifted from club music to basically anything i felt like. Was pretty good timing that felix was getting into music as i was shifting focus i guess!
F - Exactly what Jake said haha! When we met we really clicked on a bunch of different levels, but I was also really inspired by Jake as an artist/creator. He’s so passionate about music and he introduced me to so many new genres/artists I'd never heard of - particularly in the Electronic Dance Music world. Jake has always had incredibly strong visions for his sound (whether that be when he creates or when he would throw festivals/parties) and I was always so inspired by his depth of knowledge and attention to detail over these parts of his process.
Also Jake pretty much taught me how to produce music/DJ which is pretty rad!
What has influenced the sounds of Good Grief? I see you’ve listed Dilla and Chic; anyone else that you pull inspo from for writing music?
J - Artist influences constantly change for me but there’s a bunch of producers that have always inspired me - people like Philippe Zdar (rip) Tim Goldsworthy, Danger Mouse, Paul Epworth, James Murphy, Joseph Mount, Mf Doom, Kevin Parker, Nile Rodgers, so many more but i dont wanna keep rambling.
F - Yeah such a mix for good grief! And like Jake said, it changes a lot. I remember when we were writing the first ep we were both loving Durand Jones and the Indicators, LCD Soundsystem and Sault to name a few. But I’d say our newer stuff has a Tame Impala/Talking heads vibe to it.
Are you playing live instruments on this new ‘EP’, or are you pulling samples more than anything?
J - Basically everything is recorded live besides the drums which I spend a lot of time trying to make the samples feel unique to our music. All the effects are done with keyboards then manipulated in ableton as well. We try to avoid using melodic or instrument samples as much as possible to try to create something new.
How was it working with Mickey Kojack on this EP? Any good stories?
J - Mickey did the mix downs on this EP after we’d recorded and produced everything but he just came up to Townsville recently to work with me on the follow up EP. I don't think there’s any stories that are good one liners but I’ve worked with Mickey for years and it's always a blast, the guys a legend, an amazing musician/producer and we always have a lot of fun.
F - Yeah he’s awesome! I did a vocal session with him in Sydney and he was just so welcoming and supportive. At that time I was semi-new to recording/music production and he was the best hype man haha!
Can you give us some insight into putting together ‘Sun’ and ‘Have It All’ the two lead singles of the Record?
J - both are pretty different processes.
For Sun we were on Magnetic Island recording a bunch of demos and our friend Raymond was over there at the time and he helped us write Sun. Felix wrote the main synth line and originally we were planning the track to be a slower jam then I decided to swap the BPM and drums up to a more dance driven track and the rest of the instruments and vocals kinda wrote themselves. I think that track was almost fully wrote in a few hours.
Have It All; I’d been in New Caledonia on holidays for a couple weeks and each day i’d write a new beat idea and this track was in the pile once i returned. I showed Felix everything id worked on over there and this track jumped out to him. Again i think we wrote all the main parts and a basic structure in an hour. It’s always fun when tracks come together that fast, its an amazing feeling!
Do you have plans to play live? Or are you primarily sticking to Dj sets?
J - We played live twice last year opening for Donny Benet and The Delta Riggs. We’re hoping to plan a run of dates along the east coast for sometime this year. I think after every live show we will likely try find a place to DJ afterwards as well. Felix and I have DJ’d for years and its great to play a set that represents our sound in the club.
What are your go-to records for listening when you have downtime?
J - I like listening to a lot of lowrider oldies and newer soul stuff to chill out but 5 classic comfort albums for me would be:
since i left you - avalanches
bright like neon love - cut copy
anything 1999 to 2006 by MF Doom and his various alias’
On the green again - tiger & woods
Nights out - metronomy
F - Run it Back - Homebrew
It’s all a bit fuzzy - Neil Frances
Young Heart - Benny sngs
Heaps of Daryl Hall and John Oates.
Silk degrees - Boz Scaggs
What’s it like being based in North Queensland? What is the music community like up there?
J - the community is pretty tight and strong. We have a great bunch of local musicians across a lot of different genres but because the city is so small it feels like a lot of people support each other regardless of genre differences.
F - I love the lifestyle here. It’s so spacious and really allows me to be so creative with my time. And yeah, the community up here is so tight/supportive.
I personally pull alot of Justice, Jungle, LCD Soundsystem out of your music, that’s my personal take, but how would you describe your music to a new listener
J - yeah they’re definitely big influences. We don't intentionally aim for this when writing and recording but i think we sound like chill out music you can party too.
What’s next for Good Grief, I hear a few remixes?
J - currently working on a remix for Mickey Kojaks new single. We have a remix of Sun coming out heaps soon - I wanted to make a remix we could play in our DJ sets that wasn’t the original and also kept the club sound system in mind.
We’re currently hard at work on our second EP so hopefully we’ll have a single coming out in the next few months, and hoping to be on the road at some point soon too!
Where can we catch you?
Check us out on spotify and instagram!
https://www.instagram.com/goodgrief_band/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/44vTKdC4JwZej8SuMM7UgB?si=U1k7OYq8T8-nFbsLnmjawQ
Any last words?
J - Thanks heaps for chatting with us, really appreciate the support!
Everyone who reads this should go listen to the EP 10 times, tell you aunty and pop to do the same, let's get these numbers up baby!
F - Thanks for having us!
INTERVIEW: CHARLIE HANRHAN IS GOING IN ‘CIRCLES’
At just 23 years old, Charlie Hanrhan from the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne is making waves in the music industry with his unique sound and introspective lyrics. The self-produced multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter is gearing up for the release of his latest single, 'Circles,' set to debut on February 10.
We caught up with Melbourne based artist ‘Charlie Hanrhan’ about his new single ‘CIRCLES’, Blending Genres and Emotions
At just 23 years old, Charlie Hanrhan from the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne is making waves in the music industry with his unique sound and introspective lyrics. The self-produced multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter is gearing up for the release of his latest single, 'Circles,' debuted on Feb 10. With influences ranging from Little Simz to David Bowie, Hanrhan's music combines modern trap electronic production with elements of hip-hop, soul, and rock n' roll, creating a captivating sonic experience for listeners.
Hanrhan's musical journey is deeply rooted in his love for various genres, including soul, funk, hip-hop, and rock n' roll. His upcoming album, slated for release in 2024, promises to showcase his versatility and creative vision. Despite drawing comparisons to established artists like Rahgd and Kendrick Lamar, Hanrhan maintains a distinctive style that sets him apart in the industry.
In a recent statement, Hanrhan expressed his passion for music, describing it as his escape and the love of his life. He spends countless hours in his home studio crafting intricate beats, meaningful lyrics, and immersive melodies that resonate with listeners on an emotional level. His dedication to his craft is evident in the depth and sincerity of his musical compositions.
One of Hanrhan's previous successes, 'I'm Good, I'm Rich,' garnered attention from various platforms, solidifying his presence in the music scene. He has been featured on radio shows like RppFM's Sunday Sessions and gained recognition from publications such as Happy Mag and Aus Music Scene. Hanrhan's upcoming album is highly anticipated, with fans eagerly awaiting his next musical chapter.
Despite his busy schedule as a full-time Support Worker, Hanrhan devotes over 30 hours a week to creating music, showcasing his relentless work ethic and commitment to his artistry. He describes his sound as challenging to categorize but believes that the right audience will connect with his expressive techniques over time.
'Circles,' Hanrhan's latest single, delves into themes of self-awareness, personal growth, and mental health. The track reflects on mundane yet profound moments in life, urging listeners to stay positive and true to themselves. Accompanied by meticulously crafted music videos, the single promises an immersive experience that captures the essence of Hanrhan's artistic evolution.
As Charlie Hanrhan continues to evolve and push boundaries in the music industry, 'Circles' serves as a testament to his talent and dedication. With a message that resonates with audiences worldwide, Hanrhan invites listeners to join him on a sonic exploration of life's highs and lows, promising an unforgettable musical journey.
For more information and to connect with Charlie Hanrhan, visit his social media links here.
For More Info, and social media links:
https://msha.ke/charliehanrahan
INTERVIEW
Can you tell our readers about your new single 'Circles', and a little bit about who you are?
Hello readers, my name is Charlie. Hop you’re doing well and cheers for reading this. You know what would be cool. If we broke the fourth wall right now ahah. Hit me up on insta or wherever tf and tell me how you are lol (@charliehanrahan__)…. Shameless promo x. I’m a 23 yo dude from the Mornington Peninsula, Vic. This song is basically about breaking free and reflection of being trapped in somewhat toxic lifestyles surrounding drugs, alcohol, and partying etc. I find myself easily manipulated into environments that I really don’t feel apart of.
Who did you work with for this single, and what does the name of the track mean?
So basically everything bar those angelic backing vocals you hear towards the end was produced by myself. The title of the track represents the patterns of them unhealthy lifestyle habits I speak about. You know, work for the weekend, party for days straight. Allll of that shit.
How do you put music together, or do you work with a Producer, if so who?
No producer. I’ve tried working with various producers in the past but I just have such a specific sound in mind when creating and I know that if it’s not exactly how I like it, it just won’t work out. So generally I work alone. I get that that might be seen as boxing myself in but it works for me, that’s how I like to do things. So it’s just hours and hours in my home studio. A. Song will come together over time though. Often I will completely finish a song and if it doesn’t quite hit, I’ll strip down that entire song and start from square one.
What are some of your go-to records to listen to, when you're either chilling or working on new music?
It really does vary so much, I created this particular record so long ago I’d have no idea what I was listening to at that time. At the moment I’ve been enjoying Sampha’s new album a lot. I’ve also been going through a Yatchy phase and Scaring The Hoes is on repeat.
Anything exciting coming up over the next few months?
You know I’ve always got projects on the go behind the scenes without a plan on when to release them. So, I might have an album out next week or in 6 months time. I act irrationally with these things. People say that’s a bad way to do it but my audience will find it eventually lol. I’m sort of beyond the point of really giving a f*ck about what people say because at the end of the day I do this for myself. Also I’m moving to London to try make something out of myself. It doesn’t seem to be working for me in Aus. So imma hit the road. Right in the deep end you know.
What other artists and or creatives are from your community, and who should our readers get across?
A couple names come to mind straight away. I’ve been gracious enough to play along side Squid the Kid and his crew over the past few months. Squid had me play some bass with his band at some shows that was just so much fun ! I’ve also been gracious enough to play bass with Seaweed on Sticks. Som e more legends who’ve had me on board. Getting to know both of these artists and work along side them has been such a great joy. They’re both insanely talented crews and even better people.
What do you like to do, outside of writing, recording and playing music?
Ahahah not much lol. Music consumes me. I like to swim. Always get some laps in at my local pool. Shoutout to YAWA down in Rosebud. They’ve also got a dope ass sauna in there. I also love food and with that, a healthy lifestyle.
Do you have any shows coming up? Any last words?
No shows. I’m leaving for London as I said. Booking a show would just be too stressful for me at this point. Uhhhhhh I’ll sign off by saying thank you and I love you.
COME OUR WAY FOR THIS WAY NORTH
Indie pop-rock duo This Way North, comprising Cat Jungalwalla and Leisha Leahy, is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of their debut album, 'Punching Underwater,' set to hit the shelves on February 8th, 2024. Our friends at Subculture put together a chat with Cat and Leisha, including a tour announcement - read on!
We caught up with Renowned Duo ‘This Way North’ who released Debut Album 'Punching Underwater'
Indie pop-rock duo This Way North, comprising Cat Jungalwalla and Leisha Leahy, is gearing up for the highly anticipated release of their debut album, 'Punching Underwater,' set to hit the shelves on February 8th, 2024. This musical endeavor is a collaborative masterpiece between the award-winning artist Ainslie Wills and accomplished engineer-producer Jono Steer, promising a blend of creativity and expertise that fans have eagerly awaited.
The journey leading to 'Punching Underwater' has been a fascinating one for This Way North. Having traversed various landscapes across Australia and beyond, the duo found themselves amid the serene Dhudhuroa country in north-east Victoria during the pandemic. Here, amidst ancient trees and high-country valleys, they exchanged the nomadic lifestyle for a temporary home, allowing a pause that became a haven for creative expression, shaping the essence of their forthcoming album.
This Way North has steadily climbed the ladder of recognition, previously honored as Music Victoria's Best Regional Act. Their repertoire includes three EPs, and they've gained prominence not just in Australia but also in New Zealand and Canada, sharing stages with notable artists like Vika and Linda Bull, Ash Grunwald, and Kate Ceberano.
The debut single from 'Punching Underwater,' titled 'My Love,' made its debut in October 2023. Featuring the mesmerizing sounds of Christine Tootoo's Inuit throat singing from Iqaluit, Arctic Canada, the single quickly gained national rotation on Double J and secured a top-5 position on the AMRAP charts, resonating deeply with their dedicated fan base and setting high expectations for the album's release.
In 'Punching Underwater,' This Way North showcases their peak songwriting and performance abilities, weaving together musical and lyrical elements that highlight their creative prowess. With Ainslie Wills stepping into the role of producer for the first time and collaborating with long-time creative partner Jono Steer, the album reflects a synergy that allowed Cat and Leisha to delve deeper into each song, refining them to showcase their exceptional talents.
Recorded across studios in Melbourne and Romsey, central Victoria, each track on the album radiates lush, dynamic sounds, standing out both individually and collectively. Cat Leahy's vibrant, powerful drumming and Leisha Jungalwalla's intricate guitar tones and slide guitar chops are meticulously crafted, forming the backbone of the album's sonic landscape. Additionally, guest vocals from Xani, Little Wise, Tuckshop Ladies, and Ainslie Wills, along with contributions from Jono Steer and guest bassist Brett Langsford, add layers of depth and richness to the musical tapestry.
'Punching Underwater' delves into introspective themes, addressing insecurities, imposter syndrome, and self-doubt while also celebrating the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. From the struggle to avoid falling in love to the highs of building confidence and contentment, the album encapsulates the myriad emotions of a woman's evolution. Ultimately, it leaves listeners on a positive note, embracing the highs and lows of life's journey with resilience and grace.
With compelling harmonies, robust melodies, and a profound exploration of the human experience, 'Punching Underwater' is poised to be a standout debut album for This Way North, solidifying their place in the indie music scene and captivating audiences worldwide. Fans can look forward to a musical journey that is introspective, uplifting, and undeniably authentic.
INTERVIEW:
Can you tell our readers about your new Album 'Punching Underwater', and a little bit about who you are?
Hello! We are a band called This Way North, I'm Leisha, I play guitar and sing and there's Cat on drums and vocals. We are based in Yackandandah (yes, it's a real place!), in the high country in North East Victoria. We are a drums and guitar duo who often get mistaken for a full 5-piece band, we love blending indie rock, pop, blues, roots and folk with a little bit of psychedelica thrown in!
We've just released our debut album 'Punching Underwater'!
Who did you work with for this single, and what does the name of the album mean?
We worked with Ainslie Wills and Jono Steer as co-producers on the whole album and the lead single 'Punching Underwater'. The name is about how when you try to punch under the water everything is slow moving there is a lot of resistance. There were a lot of challenges for us to get this album and the songs together and out into the world, the song is about how you can be too hard on yourself and make yourself so slow by not believing in what you're capable of. We co-wrote this song with Bobby Alu.
How do you put music together, or do you work with a Producer, if so who?
We write all of our own songs by either writing them separately and bringing them to each other to finish or writing them completely together. We then worked with Ainslie Wills on each song in pre-production. She really brought them out to be the best they could be with her incredible ear and song writing sensibilities. We learnt so much from her and how she crafts her songs.
Who's on your greater team?
We have our awesome booking agents Abby and Bec from Onya Soapbox, our album team was Ainslie Wills, Jono Steer (Co-producers plus some keys and vocals), Brett Langsford (bass), our publicists Stuart and Jonny. But the rest is all us! We're an independent band and work bloody hard to make sure we hustle and create opportunities for ourselves. Oh and our dog Messy.
What are some of your go-to records to listen to, when you're either chilling or working on new music?
We both love Bahamas, Khruangbin, Tami Neilson, Bonobo but there's too many to list!
Anything exciting coming up over the next few months?
Yes! We have the next leg of our album tour throughout South Australia, Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales!
What other artists and or creatives are from your community, and who should our readers get across?
We're super lucky to live in a very creative area! There's amazing artists from all mediums: sculptors (check out Ben Gilberts creations), visual artists (Kirrily Anderson), black smiths (Toadhall forge) and of course musicians!
Check out Sal Kimber, Liv Cartledge and DJ Jane Doe.
We also have amazing whiskey distilleries (Backwoods Distillery), recycled wool and leather workers (Stonehill View), furniture makers (Indigo Woodworks). It's a really inspiring place to live with lots of amazing people doing cool and inspiring things!
What do you like to do, outside of writing, recording and playing music?
We both love being out in nature, camping in our van with our dog Messy! Cat is a hatter, so she spends a lot of time in her shop making glorious hats (check ou Feather & Drum Hat Co.). I love surfing when I can get to the coast.
Do you have any shows coming up?
Catch us here:
Sun April 28th supporting Ash Grunwald at Star Hotel Yackandandah
Sat June 15th Melbourne Album Launch Show w East Bound Buzz, Liv Cartledge and DJ Jane Doe at Stay Gold, Brunswick
Fri June 21st Brisbane Album Launch Show at the Cave Inn with special guests TBA
Sat June 22nd Full Moon Party, Verrierdale Sunshine Coast QLD
Sat August 3rd The Stone Pony, w Parvyn Willunga, SA
Sun August 4th Adelaide Album Launch Show at Trinity Sessions w Parvyn Adelaide SA
Fri August 23rd Wauchope Arts, Wauchope NSW
Sat August 24th Sydney Album Launch Show at The Great Club with Monstress and Juanita Tippins Marrickville NSW
Sun August 25th The Fun Haus, Gosford NSW
Any last words?
We can't wait to hear what you think of the album, don't forget to check out the film clips for the first two singles 'My Love' featuring Inuit Throat Singer Christine Tootoo, shot up in Arctic Canada and 'Punching Underwater' filmed at the Old Beechworth Gaol in an empty 100 year old pool!
Astro Elevator are Putting Us Into a Kaleidoscopic Trance With Their Latest Single
Astro Elevator, the daring quartet hailing from the vibrant musical scene of Melbourne, have unleashed a sonic storm upon listeners with their latest single, "Kaleidoscopic Trance," released on January 24, 2024. This electrifying track offers a tantalizing glimpse into their forthcoming second album, "Cosmo Vortexia," promising a musical odyssey that transcends boundaries.
Astro Elevator, the daring quartet hailing from the vibrant musical scene of Melbourne, have unleashed a sonic storm upon listeners with their latest single, "Kaleidoscopic Trance," released on January 24, 2024. This electrifying track offers a tantalizing glimpse into their forthcoming second album, "Cosmo Vortexia," promising a musical odyssey that transcends boundaries.
Formed in the midst of 2019, Astro Elevator draws inspiration from a diverse array of musical influences spanning the realms of 60s garage psychedelia to the intricate landscapes of 90s and 00s progressive rock. Following the triumph of their debut LP, "Lysergic Liquid Maze of the Psychotropic Triptonauts," the band experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, evidenced by sold-out hometown shows and their inaugural interstate tour in 2022.
"Kaleidoscopic Trance," a compact two-and-a-half-minute musical journey, stands as a testament to Astro Elevator's evolution. The track builds upon the foundations laid by their debut, incorporating complex song structures and a more progressive approach to songwriting. In this latest release, the band's distinctive fusion of driving energy, spaced-out jams, and dueling guitars takes center stage.
Immersing listeners in a swirling maelstrom, "Kaleidoscopic Trance" catapults them into a sonic journey spiraling ever upward. The band deftly navigates the delicate balance between control and chaos, with a formidable rhythm section propelling burning comet-tail guitars through an ascending progression of escalating intensity. The track reaches its zenith with thumping beats and wailing guitars reminiscent of titanic battles, only to clear the air with a pulsating width, leaving audiences in a state of stupefied awe.
All the tracks are crafted and performed by Astro Elevator, showcasing their collective musical prowess. The single was meticulously recorded and mixed by Rohan Sforcina at Head Gap Studio in Preston and masterfully fine-tuned by Lachlan Carrick. Dr Cheeto Feather Pants contributed additional recordings and played organs, while Inktally lent their artistic touch to the mesmerizing artwork design, and Tony Roberts encapsulated the band's essence through captivating photography.
"Kaleidoscopic Trance" emerged organically during an intense creative session, embodying the unmistakable influence of Mars Volta with its chaotic drums and driving guitars. Clocking in at two minutes of unbridled energy and fury, the track invites listeners to embark on a personal and enthralling auditory journey with Astro Elevator.
Backbeat caught up with Astro Elevator to find out more about their influences, team, and upcoming releases and shows.
Can you tell our readers about your new single 'Kaleidoscopic Trance'
Kaleidoscopic Trance is the first single off our forthcoming album. We wanted to make a short, hard hitting, energy packed psychedelic song. The song weaves in and out of an ascending progression with a bombardment of swirling delay drenched guitar solos in the middle, where the song finally releases the tension and breaks free. While it all seems to be chaotic and frantic, the driving rhythm section keeps everything tight and in control. Hopefully the listener will be engaged to wonder where it's all going. The song packs a lot of punch for clocking in at just over two minutes!
Who did you work with for this single, and what does the name of the track mean?
We recorded and mixed the album at Head Gap Studio in Melbourne with engineer Rohan Sforcina. The name of the track comes from the song's lyrics. The ascending progression of the song, along with the ferocious drum fills kind of made me picture something trippy. Like transportation, freefalling and spinning down a tunnel of mesmerising and reflecting colours, so out of that imagery came Kaleidoscopic Trance.
What are some of your go-to records to listen to, when you're either chilling or working on new music?
Lately I've been listening to a lot of 60's garage/psych playlists. Finding forgotten hidden gems from the birth era of psychedelic music. Some other artists that have been getting a run lately include Tom Petty, Lee Hazlewood, The Flaming Lips, The lemon Twigs, Dr John, Elea Craig, The Allman Brothers, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, The Pretty Things, The 13th Floor Elevators
Can you tell us about the upcoming album, and what can we expect?
The album is titled Cosmo Vortexia. It has a few really progged out songs, some clocking in at over 6 minutes. We're experimenting with textures in sound and dynamics. We like to challenge ourselves to come up with a sound that's unique and interesting to record and play live. It's an album where the listener can really sit back and go with the flow, letting them join in on a journey into the unknown. It's only 6 songs long but there's always a lot going on
Anything exciting coming up over the next few months?
Yes, we have the single launch of Kaleidoscopic Trance on Feb 9 at The Beast. A second single will be out in a couple of months. We also have a small run of shows planned for NSW in May. Then we'll release the album and continue playing and touring as much as possible
What other bands are from your community, and who should our readers get across?
A few bands that we've played with that stand out, Sons of Zoku, Maisie, Scatter Light, Skerzo, The Black Heart Death Cult, Zelkova
What do you like to do, outside of writing, recording and playing music?
We're all pretty chilled out when we're not working on music. Other interests include camping, hiking, watching weird documentaries, movies, reading, NBA, jujitsu, guitar making. Although music consumes a lot of our time, it's all of the band members main passion and hobby
Any last words!
Stay High!
Unveiling Telladream: A Musical Odyssey by Sash Mish
In the realm of Indie/Alternative/Electronic/Pop, a captivating new artist is set to make waves with an unparalleled sonic journey. Telladream, the brainchild of singer and producer Sash Mish, formerly known as Slumberhaze, is making a resounding entrance into the music scene with the release of two compelling singles, 'The Death of Fear' and 'Family Matters.'
In the realm of Indie/Alternative/Electronic/Pop, a captivating new artist is set to make waves with an unparalleled sonic journey. Telladream, the brainchild of singer and producer Sash Mish, formerly known as Slumberhaze, is making a resounding entrance into the music scene with the release of two compelling singles, 'The Death of Fear' and 'Family Matters.'
After a six-year hiatus and the transformative experience of becoming a father to two children, Sash Mish redirected his creative energy into the Telladream project. Collaborating with industry legends like Lachlan Mitchell at Parliament Studios in Sydney and London-based producer Dane Burge, Telladream's debut album, featuring ten tracks that showcase Sash's unique musical style, is eagerly anticipated and set for release later this year.
Choosing a path focused solely on recording, Telladream forgoes live performances to concentrate on delivering a rich tapestry of music and visuals. Collaborations with other artists on exciting projects are also part of Telladream's journey, highlighting a commitment to exploring the depths of creativity.
Influenced by a diverse array of artists, ranging from Bowie and Outkast to Dino Merlin and electronic producers, Telladream draws inspiration from the expansive wall of sound reminiscent of bands like War on Drugs and Elbow.
'The Death of Fear' and 'Family Matters,' the debut singles from Telladream, delve into poignant themes that resonate deeply with listeners. 'The Death of Fear' explores the transformative period surrounding the birth of Sash's daughter, offering an intimate glimpse into the emotional journey. On the other hand, 'Family Matters' tackles the pressures of life, love, and the delicate balance required to hold it all together.
To add a visually striking dimension to Telladream's sonic creations, both music videos were crafted by a talented crew of film students from NIDA and directed by Forest Lim. The marriage of visual and auditory elements enhances the immersive experience of Telladream's music.
The singles were not just written by Telladream but meticulously recorded and mixed by Lachlan Mitchell, showcasing a commitment to sonic perfection. Mastered by Steve Smart at Studio 301, these tracks promise to deliver an audio experience that transcends the ordinary.
Reflecting on 'The Death of Fear,' Telladream shares, "I wrote the instrumental for this song in 2013 in Florence and could not get any concept or melody for the vocals. Then, after my daughter was born, I spent a few days on this song, and everything came together in the span of 2-3 hours. Lyrically, it talks about the experiences before she was born and after."
Regarding 'Family Matters,' Telladream remarks, "Written as an instrumental to make my daughter dance, it ended up being a song about family life – its pressures, love, and holding it all together."
As Telladream emerges onto the music scene, it brings not just a collection of songs but a profound narrative of personal experiences, creative evolution, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. With an album on the horizon and a unique vision, Sash Mish, under the moniker Telladream, invites audiences to join him on this musical odyssey.
Backbeat spoke with Sash aka Telladream about the recent single and video releases, and dived a little deeper into how everything came together, and his artistry
Hey Sash, How are you today? Great, man!
Can you tell us about the name behind Telladream? I was hoping a name would come to me, as I've just been recording the songs and planning a release but couldn't decide on a name, and then it just came during a nap one afternoon in a dream. The dream word was Telethon, then I liked that, but it was in the dream so I used the first half and added dream to it = Telladream
Can you tell our readers about your new singles 'Family Matters' and 'Death of Fear'?
The instrumental of this was written 10 years ago and I loved it but could never come up with a structure or melody so I just left it, then around the time of the birth of my daughter, it all just landed in my lap. The song speaks about fear and finding courage in the end. The title was initially The Fear of Death, but at the time of recording I flipped it as I didn't have that anymore. Family Matters was written a year after and was initially a guitar jingle I'd play for my daughter, then evolved into a song about family, the challenges and the spirit which keeps us going during all the ups and downs. It's optimistic again.
What was your inspiration behind writing these songs, and what influences your sound?
Starting with an idea and then waking up hours later with a song is a thrill and I love the process of it, singing, writing lyrics and melodies, it's all fun and I'm addicted to fun.
The music videos for 'Family Matters' and 'The Fear of Death' are stunning, how was it working with NIDA students and Forest Lim on these videos?
Forest is a bright mind and he heard the demos in 2018 and just wrote a script for The Death of Fear, then made a storyboard, then scoped locations. He had everything ready for me and proposed the shoot, making it so easy! It was shot over several days with a cast and team of young, enthusiastic legends that will have a future in the sport, I'm sure.
Do you bring an idea to the table for the videos, or did Forest Lim bring you the idea for the videos?
Yeah we definitely worked together on the concepts and negotiated on details and themes etc. It was good having someone from that world guiding me, otherwise I would need a $1 million budget to film what's in my head.
I hear you're working towards releasing an album, what can you tell us about the album?
It's taken me 7 years. Since the break up of my band (Slumberhaze), I took years off from music, just writing in the background, never playing live and just stockpiling music for a rainy day. Then I realized it's been raining the entire time and I've just been procrastinating, so I will release it this year. Some 10 odd tracks, 5 music videos. There are songs in there written in 2016 and some written last month. As they say, it's the debut album that takes your entire life to release.
Your music has a playful indie sound, how would you best describe it to someone that has never listened to your music before?
Man, I can never explain it! It's just music that tries to be catchy and emotive and nostalgic, not sure what genre it is. Maybe you're right, Indie. I call it Nostalgic Pop, but not sure if that means anything.
Where can we find out more about you?
Just online, all the streaming platforms and YouTube, plus have an IG @telladreamworld and Facebook with the same handle. Probably have to start a TikTok and cringe dance to a loop of my music to get it out there soon.
INTERVIEW: SPKEZY
Spkezy are true musicians who push the bounds of their creativity. Known for their poised approach to genre-bending music they have produced an extremely well balanced fusion of dark pop and alt-rock in ‘Hell House’.
Tori met up with Luke and Joel to talk about the new single ‘Hell house’, history of the band and what the future holds.
So, tell me about yourselves - how long have you been a band?
Luke: As Spkezy, I think it's about three years.
Joel: Two and a half years.
Luke: But before that, Joel and myself played in bands together since college, so we're pretty old now.
Has it always been this style or genre for your band?
Luke: No…. well, for this band yes. But the other bands, it was definitely metal core/post hardcore. I think that the older that we got, I didn't want to be screaming about stuff that I wasn't mad about anymore.
Joel: Funny thing is the lyrical content now is probably just as angsty, if not more.
I guess that leads to who are your biggest inspirations?
Joel: I'm listening to a lot of Rain City Drive, they were formerly called Slaves. They're excellent. Another band called Set It Off, they’re a genre bending band, so I really enjoyed them too.
Luke: I listen to lots of rap, but band wise, Issues are really cool. They are able to blend pop and r&b vocals into genti type metal stuff.
Tell me more about this new single?!
Joel: It originally was slated to come out as part of an album but we analysed the market a little bit to see what's working and a lot of bands are focusing on singles. So we put a heap of time and effort into the song itself, the hooks and the whole writing process. It's kind of heavy, a bit more foot to the floor, doesn't really let up. We want the single to be in your face most of the way through. We went through two or three different chorus’ before we settled on the one we did. I was really happy as soon as I heard this chorus and I knew the song was going to be potentially a single. Once that was down, everything else sort of flowed around it.
And you record, mix and master everything yourself?
Joel: I studied in college. But the landscape of recording music has changed so significantly since I actually studied it. I learnt the fundamentals in school, but pretty much everything I've learned to this point, especially over the last two years is online courses, that sort of thing.
Is this your favourite song that you've released so far?
Joel: Every song has a different memory of recording, what we're feeling at the time. So I think it's really hard to answer. It's a song that doesn't really let up and I like it for that.
Have you had a chance to play this one live?
Joel: Very much looking forward to it.
Luke: This band kind of started at the wrong time when it comes to COVID and all that stuff. We weren't able to play any shows. We've only played… I think it's three shows as Spkezy. So we just, I guess we really want to play shows!
Do you think that being based in Tassie has an impact on I guess your music and how it can be absorbed by the world?
Luke: 100% Yeah
Joel: It's a matter of getting us in front of people. That's always been the struggle. Even with the old band, we toured a lot, but theres the cost and then there's so many other things involved with being isolated by water. We're definitely looking to play shows, definitely wanting to get over to Melbourne, Adelaide. Adelaide was our second home. So, I cannot wait to get back over there again. This is really the point where we're starting to go, Okay, we really want to take this seriously.
Check our their video below!
INTERVIEW: ALEX FASSO
Up and coming singer/songwriter Alex Fasso spoke to our writer Keely about his upcoming EP, recent TikTok popularity and an unexpected feature in Rolling Stones India.
Up and coming singer/songwriter Alex Fasso spoke to our writer Keely about his upcoming EP, recent TikTok popularity and an unexpected feature in Rolling Stones India.
So firstly tell me a bit about yourself. How are you going right now?
I’m kind of great at the moment, I’m recording a new EP which is hopefully coming out later this year. Trying to put some music out there which is kind of really difficult at the moment, 'cause you can't even rehearse with bands or anything. But yeah, I'm kind of loving life I actually love lockdown in terms of creativity. I'm actually doing more than I would if we're out and open so it's kind of a weird blessing in disguise.
That's really great that you're being like you feel like it's being really productive for you! Can you tell me a little bit more about the new music that you have coming up? I know you’ve already dropped two singles this year.
The singles that I’ve dropped this year are ‘Love You More’ and ‘Northside’ were just a bit experimental, to essentially just test the waters and see what people like and what they don't like and just using the feedback after that to further the EP. I think there's five songs on there I'm doing a couple with Will Scullin from Big Words and doing a couple on my own. I’m just trying to make as much (music) as possible and then refine it down and cut it. I'm just really excited to have some new projects out there, which are more fulfilled projects rather than just a single.
That sounds so rad! What is your process look like in terms of putting all of that together? Because I know obviously would be quite different now because we can't see people.
This is how it starts for me, I always tend I write all my songs in the shower, I bring my phone in the shower. I think of maybe a melody and I sing it into my voice app on my phone. I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s the soothing water who knows, but I always I always write my songs in the shower. I usually start off with just writing lyrics or coming up with catchy song name or whatever. To me, personally, I know a lot of musicians might disagree with me; but I think that the lyrics are by far the most important part (of a song.) More so than how well you can play guitar, or how well you can sing, or how well produced you are. If you're telling a great story throughout your song, that's all that matters. So for me I always start off with the concept of a story, and then through writing it I come up with the instrumental ideas but really that's kind of second rate to me.
That’s really interesting, I like that you right things in the shower. It’s super unique.
I've had a lot of close calls where I’ve dropped my phone in the shower had to get the bowl of rice out.
I know that feeling all too well! Following on from the writing, what does your production process look like? How's your production process been?
Slow, really slow recently 'cause II like I can sing and play guitar, most musicians can but where I really struggle is producing on my own. I know my way around production software, but I think the main thing that I miss which benefits my music the most is having people around me to bounce ideas off. I really don't like recording or producing or mixing alone, I think its kind of detrimental to the outcome of the song. Because if you don't have those people to bounce ideas off, you could be putting our song which you think is great but without those secondary ideas it might not come out great. You kind of need that trampoline effect. It takes so long trying to produce a song with someone else at the moment, instead of just having someone sitting next to you to bounce ideas off. You have to send an email with a Dropbox link… You know it's just so tedious. So I just cannot wait until we’re out of lock down because I am ready to roll, I'm so ready to make some music.
So youre latest single is titled ‘Love Me More’ can you tell me a little bit more background about that?
I wrote that song probably about four years ago, in the shower believe it or not. I just kind of sat on it for a long time and I started playing it live here in there. Whenever I would play it live people started to sing along, and I was like oh shit I haven’t even put this song out and people already know the lyrics. I thought it was just about time just to kind of bite the bullet and you know actually produce it. But with that it was kind of a weird thing because I had this article that came out and said “Alex Fasso is dropping a new song this Friday,” and I was like oh shit, am I? I don’t think I am. and then I was like Oh my God I've got it like write and produce a song really quickly.. So I thought, why don’t I do Love me More? I recorded it in this room in about two hours, then sent it off to get mastered. I kind of forgot about it until it came out and David my manager reminded me. Not to degrade the song at all, it’s a great song. I just think that through the rush I kind of lost track a bit. I’m really happy that it’s out there.
What was the publication?
It was Rolling Stone India, as one of the best up and coming artists! When that happened, I was like this is fucking unreal. I was kind of blown away when that came out because it made me feel like a proper musician, and that the work that I put in is actually paying off. I will finish my career happily knowing now that I got an article in that wonderful, wonderful publication.
I know that you’ve gained heaps of traction of TikTok lately, have you been trialling songs on there to keep connected with your audience?
TikTok recently has been crazy for me, I don’t know what it is. I think TikTok’s so weird because if you put a video out there, it can have such an avalanche effect once people start liking it and it just rolls on and on and on. It’s kind of awesome to see for not just me, but other artists on TikTok are getting that recognition and gaining big audiences and big viewership’s from just uploading to TikTok.
Recently because there has been no live gigs I have been experimenting with songs on TikTok. I might write the first minute of a song, and go “oh okay, I think this is pretty good. Let’s put it on TikTok and see if people like it.” Sometimes it gets good reception and sometimes it doesn’t, but I guess that’s music. Again, what I was saying with having someone to produce with, I guess this is just a more magnified version of that where you’re showing everyone a demo being like, “hey, what do you think of this? Let me know.” I know I should write the music that I want to make, and I do, but it’s kind of great to see where my audience is, what they like, and things that I can do to cater to them. I’m just really loving TikTok at the moment, I just think it’s so great. I honestly spend hours a day on it just scrolling through and looking at great musicians.
That’s incredibly easy to do… I did notice that you popped some mashups up on TikTok recently.
Yeah! I did one yesterday where a mate and myself were just playing guitar in the backyard. I always like to be filming on my phone in those situations. In my most recent mashup we were just playing and we’re like “oh these chords are kind of cool.” And then I started singing ‘thank u, next’ by Ariana Grande, and did a bit of Kanye West’s ‘American Boy’ over the top of that. I performed that live once and it went really, really well. I’ve got one that I’m working on at the moment with my band, which we will hopefully play at an upcoming live gig. It’s a mashup of ‘Gimme More’ by Britney Spears, which I think is one of the best songs ever written, period.
I wanna touch back on your upcoming ep. Can you give us any hints of what sort of direction you’re going in? As your last two singles have sounded quite different.
I think it's kind of perfect combination of the two. It’s definitely a love-themed EP and I feel like people can relate to it whether that be the depressing side of love or the extremely poetic side… They’re all love songs which I’m really excited for because I think it creates a love story throughout the EP. It starts of a bit low-fi and then gets a bit rock and roll towards the end. There’s a couple of collaborations on the album, there’s a song with Holly Hebe which she sings on and helped produced. It’s called ‘House by the Lake,’ it’s really cool and I’m really excited to release that one. Working with her on this project was just an absolute pleasure, I’ve actually never met her, I had DM’d her asking her to be on the song which is how it all came about. I can’t wait to meet her, because I think she’s so fantastic and I’ve kind of idolised her live as well because I’ve seen a couple of clips of her playing shows and she just brings the house down. Having that control over an audience is so rare, especially for softer music. It’s incredibly difficult to do and she does it so well.
Speaking of live gigs, you have one coming up very soon right?
Yes! That will be at Stay Gold in Fitzroy on the 18th of November which I’m headling with St. Emerald and Tilly VW.* There are more in the works so you’ll have to stay tuned for those to be announced.
I’m really hoping we come out of lockdown soon because I need to rehearse with my band ASAP. We haven’t played together on any of these new songs that are coming out at all, so hopefully we’ll be able to get together to get things nice and tight. It’s going to be one of the biggest gigs I’ve ever played, and the fact that I’m headlining it is very cool.
*Please note, that this event is now sold out but keep your eyes peeled for upcoming shows.
Lastly, who are your top three Aussie artists/acts right now?
Right now? Big Words number one, I think they’re fantastic. I work with Will and Kieren and I just think they’re phenomenal. I’ve heard a little bit of their new album and it’s a masterpiece, I genuinely just love them so much.
Stella Donnelly is always going to be one of my biggest influences, she is top tier. I’m hoping she releases a new album this year, that would be amazing. I saw her live once at the Corner, it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. Her stage presence and her voice, again like I was talking about with Holly, the way she can control a room of that size with just her playing guitar and have it be dead silent and everyone paying attention to you is so hard to do. She’s amazing, and she’s an amazing writer. She’ll always be my biggest influence.
Tame Impala, specifically Kevin Parker’s production. I really like diving into the pieces of his songs and hearing specific production things, like filters on microphones and certain drum sounds. I really like the experimental aspect a lot.
I was never really a fan of Spacey Jane, but recently I’ve been listening to a lot of their back catalogue and realised that they’re actually really good. When they were popping off, I didn’t get it. So it’s been a bit of a late burn but I actually am really enjoying them.
OH King Gizzard, they’re actually number one. They are just incredible… I know this is more than three but they’re just great. Like how can you make close to 20 albums and make every single album a different genre. It just shows how talented they are, and they do everything themselves. I really idolise that and I’d love to do that kind of thing one day.
‘LOVE YOU MORE’ OUT NOW
INTERVIEW: GRETTA RAY ON HER DEBUT ALBUM, ‘BEGIN TO LOOK AROUND'
The darling that is Gretta Ray spoke to our writer Keely about her upcoming debut album ‘Begin To Look Around,’ reflects on the past five years since with Triple J’s Unearthed High, and talks about some of her favourite moments that helped inspire the album.
The darling that is Gretta Ray spoke to our writer Keely about her upcoming debut album ‘Begin To Look Around,’ reflects on the past five years since winning Triple J’s Unearthed High, and talks about some of her favourite moments that helped inspire the album.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat! I just wanna ask, how are you doing right now?
What a nice question! Yeah I'm going okay, I mean it's a weird time. I'm in my 6th lockdown, but I’m going okay. It definitely feels like a strange time to be releasing an album but I'm keeping busy. There’s plenty that I can do from home which I'm really lucky that is the case. I think I'm just thinking a lot about the album all the time and I’m really excited to show people.
Your debut ep ‘Begin To Look Around’ is out August 27th, which is incredibly exciting. This has been in the works since 2019 right?
Yes indeed! We wrote the majority of the record in 2019 and then started work on finishing off the production at the end of that year. I think by the end of January 2020 we had nine of the songs done, production wise. I then went to London for a bit and was hoping to stay there for a while and come back mid-year to record the rest of the record, but obviously that didn't happen… I came home pretty fast. I then had to wait until the end of the year until I could get back to Sydney to finish it. I think we finished in maybe January this year? Or march, I don't know it was mad it just kind of kept going, we worked on it so much so I'm really excited that it’s done.
You’ve released a couple of Duologies ahead of the release, which is such an interesting way to release songs. I was reading about it and you were saying how you often write in pairs, and when you listen the songs, they’re from different perspectives. I was curious as to why you haven’t listed the duologies in those pairings on the album track listing?
I think I was always going to do that. I never thought that I would release the album in the order of the Duologies because, initially as I was writing the album I was already getting an idea for the track list in my head before we even made the decision about how we would release the songs. But also there’s songs on the record that people haven't heard yet.
I love to listen to records from track one right to finish. I mean it’s a weird time with music at the moment in terms of how it's digested because there's just so much music and there's so much content with every project. So I think the general consensus is like “just release single, single, single.” I was like ‘I have to tell a full-length album story.’
I love full length records and I feel like so many people do. I just feel like it's not spoken about enough when it should be, people still really appreciate listening to an album in that traditional, chronological way. I wanted the album to tell the story of why I wrote those songs when I did, and when it was kind of up and down, and when I kind of turned a corner. I wanted people to hear that in context of a storyline rather than just like these are the two songs that talk about this one specific feeling.
You can definitely get a sense of that when you listen to the album. You work with quite a few co-writers, don't you? How has that process been for you, especially with the current climate?
It’s been amazing, I mean it's been the biggest step in my career in terms of my artist project when writing this album. It’s the biggest shift that I had made by getting other people involved in writing the songs because it wasn't really something that I was doing much of at all when I was younger.
When you’re collaborating writing a song, you either get it finished or at least the bones of a body of work done by the end of the day. That was a completely foreign concept to me. I used to write songs in the sense that if I got an idea that I felt was worthy, I would then spend like months trying to tackle it and getting frustrated 'cause it wasn't doing what I wanted to do. I would then leave it be and I would come back to it and it was an agonising process. It may have resulted in songs that I still really, really love but it meant that I stopped practising song writing. Which was something that because I'm at the beginning of my song writing journey, even though it's something that I've done since I was much younger, I still consider myself to be in really early stages of.
There's so much that I can learn and the way that I could do that was by working with other collaborators and being open to changing my approach to writing songs. So it's been super rewarding 'cause I think that I shut off that idea, because I thought that if I were to work with other people on songs that were going to be so personal it wouldn't reflect that same personal thing that I had in songs that I just wrote alone.
It just isn't really true, the universal feelings that we all love to write and sing about are further amplified in the songs when you have other validating voices in the room. You just find a new way to look at it and you can dig deeper, so in that sense it's been really awesome. I've learned so much I can't wait to continue to learn it just gets me excited to write music. I think that creative collaboration has always been one of the great joys of my life and I'm really glad that we were able to do more of that when making this record.
It’s incredible to see that growth, especially since this year marks five years since you won Triple J’s Unearthed High. Do you have a particular ‘pinch me’ moment that’s happened in the past five years?
It’s a wild time that feels like ages ago, but then also not really 'cause there's been this lull of not being able to play shows for two years. Yeah, it's been very interesting to reflect on the fact that that was five years ago.
I've been very fortunate to have a few of those, but the one that comes to mind, that I still can't talk about without almost laughing just because I think it's so stupid. Was that I played this festival in the UK called All Points East, which on the Saturday of that weekend at the festival Mumford and Sons were headlining. I know them and I’ve played some shows with them before which was amazing, and then at the end of the night after wrapping up their set, (so for context there's thousands and thousands of people, crazy concept to think about now.) I got to sing a song of theirs with them in front of that crowd but THEN I got to sing with them, The Staves, Lianne La Havas, Dermot Kennedy, Jackal was playing guitar, JayBird. So many of those artists I grew up with, in high school I was a massive fan of the Staves, and I'd only briefly met some of them, and Leanne I love. I just remember we’re all singing this Beatles song in front of this sea of people, and Leanne and I just singing to each other. My little self was just like, sorry what is, what is going on? So if there's any footage from that night you'll notice I'm laughing the whole time on stage I just cannot get it together 'cause I thought it was so funny, I was like why am I included this line up? But it was really, really awesome so yeah that was probably one of the biggest pinch me moments.
If you could go back to five years ago, when you had just won Unearthed High and tell yourself one thing, what would it be?
I would just say listen to your parents, yeah… Listen to your parents. Listen to all of your mentors and lean on them, hang out with your friends. Which I do feel like were things that I did, I didn’t really stray too far because I had such a high priority to finish school. I was very studious, I loved all my subjects, and my teachers were really accepting of the fact that I went on tour in the middle of the 12, which is ridiculous. So because of their support and their belief in the fact that I could like do both I feel like I was able to honour that.
You'll notice that stepping into the industry, and especially with Unearthed High, that's pretty sudden exposure, and that is really weird when you're quite young. As much as I knew I loved music and I really wanted to have it as my job, you just can't anticipate how strange that is when a lot of people suddenly know who you are. I was on tour at the time with Japanese Wallpaper as a part of his band and suddenly it was like ‘oh everyone knows who the girl on the keyboard is.’ It was very strange, but I think that what kept me grounded in that period of time was the fact that I had a really wonderful group of people around me who told me the right things, no one was rushing me into anything. I had great mentors, I had great management, and I think that because they had that patience and the understanding I needed to honour that time in my life meant that I could make the record that I've made now.
I remember reading somewhere that you would you do your assignments in hotel rooms, play a show and then they fly back for school on Monday.
I remember this one particular morning after we played a show, and it might have even been the morning that the finalists were announced? But we flew in really early from Interstate, my dad picked me up from the airport and then I just went to class. I just remember strolling into class on cloud nine, it was a really sick period of time for sure.
How did you meet Gab aka Japanese Wallpaper?
That is one of my favourite stories 'cause Gab is such a dear friend and close collaborator now. I was just a massive Japanese Wallpaper fan his project totally opened my eyes to pop music again. I think I'd become a little bit narrow minded. I grew up with a lot of pop in my life for sure but when I was like 15/16 and I was like ‘it's strictly folk/singer songwriters, no pop music will come near me… Except Taylor Swift… But no one else.” Which was stupid because pop music is amazing and expansive and interesting and different, and it's really challenging to write.
So when I heard ‘Between Friends’ by Gab I was like ‘oh my gosh, I forgot pop music can be really emotional and vulnerable, it’s just with different sonic elements.” I messaged him on SoundCloud, it's so lame because it was the first interaction I ever had and it’s entirely not how we speak as people at all. It was something like “oh how did you do school and music at the same time? Ect...” Then I bumped into him at this show that I was playing as a support act at the workers club in Fitzroy, and we just kind of hit it off. We had a lot of friends in common and I realised that he just was such a nerd about music in the same way that I was. After a little while of being friends, he was like “I need a keyboard player and a backing vocalist, I know that you're studying for exams but do you want to come?” I said “I will absolutely 100% be there, goodbye “ and then yeah I was on tour. It was very, very cool and a good first experience touring as a part of his band because I hadn't done that myself yet as an artist.
You got to be apart of Gab’s Like a Version a few weeks back, and he collaborated on yours as well. Which was incredible by the way. How did you find that Like a Version experience?
He was very involved in getting that arrangement together, because after all this time of knowing each other and admiring each other’s projects, he has a really good grasp on what it is I want to achieve as an artist and what direction I'm headed in sonically.
It was pretty scary, but it's a really great opportunity. There were moments throughout the past five years where I thought maybe we're going to do it here or there, but I'm relieved I'm more of a seasoned artist now. When you get in that room it’s really daunting and you want to honour the song, and you know how many eyes are going to be on you as well which is quite full on. I’m really glad we had the chance to do it when we did. I love my band and I love that song so much. I think that I was unknowingly preparing for it years before hand just watching Gang of Youths sing it so much.
You’ve got quite a good relationship with the Gang of Youths members right?
I do! I'm very fortunate they’ve taken me on the road a couple of times as their opening act. Which was so surreal because the size of the shows and their audiences is so loyal and wonderful. To be exposed to that at the time was amazing. That was a time at the end of 2018/early 2019 when we were playing shows, that their record was having the most wonderful life in the world. It was my favourite record at the time. It was a beautiful thing to be a part of that journey with them for sure.
Dave features on one of the songs on your album, Worldly Wise. How did that collaboration come about?
I basically knew once I had the melody of the song, the melody of the chorus in particular. I wanted layered backing vocals and I wanted that base-y, male tone. There are just some songs that I feel really need it and I knew that his voice would be perfect for it.
In terms of what that song ended up meaning to me and where I've placed it on the track list, I think it is just so fitting that he's singing those lyrics, “lift your eyes… Are you ready to roll?” That I may have written, but when I was on tour with Gang of Youths I was in a place in my life where I was really trying to find my feet. I was going through a breakup and I was just trying to regain a sense of independence and sense of self. Often Dave was saying that kind of stuff to me in our private conversations, and being like “yeah but you know you're gonna go out there and sing. And you're going to do this record and it's going to be great.” He’s very much like big brother to me, all of those boys are. To have them involved on this record, considering the journey of it and when I was writing it, it just makes so much sense to me. I
On your track ‘It's almost Christmas in Philly’ you have an audio snippet in there at the end, what’s the story behind that to why you included it?
Well, that song is inspired by my friend and day-to-day manager Sam. The first time that we went on tour together, which was to open for Gang of Youths. We were in a hire car driving around North America, driving through the middle of nowhere. Staying as he says “middle of fucking nowheresville Kentucky” overnight to get back on the road and get in the car for another eight hours. When that becomes your lifestyle for three weeks you end up opening up to each other a lot or having conversations that just crash land into this really deep and meaningful conversation. I think that the space of a car is quite a confessional space as well. Someone who was interviewing me the other day was saying you feel like you can open up more because you don't have to look at the person because they're driving. That’s why you find yourself in that moment.
One of the days that we had on that tour that felt particularly magical because we were in Philadelphia for a day, and when you’re in America you always feel like things are really like the glory of America or something. It was the day that I was about to play my 4th or 5th show, and it was just a particularly picturesque moment. We were walking down this main road in Philly with all of these Christmas lights 'cause it was mid-December. And you know the idea of a wintery Christmas was just so foreign to me. There were carols coming out of speakers on the street, and all these decorations. We were just prancing through the street like idiots and so that's why I ended up calling this song ‘It's almost Christmas in Philly.’
The voice memo at the end just kind of captured a comedic element of what those three weeks on the road looked like. Which was just us getting stuck in stupid, car related scenarios. I took that audio from a video on my phone and we were driving through a snowstorm. Sam is from the UK so he was driving on a different side of the road, and I couldn't help with any of the driving that trip because was too young. He was just like “oh my god, why, it's so late, we're in the middle of nowhere!” And I captured his stress and put it at the end of the song so that's the story.
You’ve got the ‘Becoming’ tour coming up in October, and the Fingers Crossed Mini-Tour coming up in the next few weeks hopefully. How are you preparing for that?
I feel like I've forgotten what it’s like almost because it's been so long. I've played one show of my own during this time and have jumped up to sing with a few friends at their shows but that's kind of the extent of it since March 2020 when I played a show in London.
I just rehearse as much as I can, I think that especially now playing a new show which we've only gone to do once for Splendour XR. But I don't have an instrument, I am relying solely on my stagecraft to be captivating. Which means I can focus mainly on my vocals, but it also means that I have to make sure I really know what I'm doing performance wise.
I have one last question for you, who are your top three favourite Aussie artists right now?
Oh man there's so many. At the moment I'm listening to Sycco a lot, her ep is good. What in the actual fuck of talent, like it's so mad it's insanely good. My friend May-a, her ep just came out. It’s so good as well. And Mia Wray, she’s got a couple of songs out. She’s got this killer, boss like, Meg Mac-esque vocals and her songs are really upbeat and fun. She released a song called ‘Needs’ a little while ago and it’s awesome and I love the visual content she’s doing.
GRETTA RAY – DEBUT ALBUM ‘BEGIN TO LOOK AROUND’
OUT TODAY
‘BEGIN TO LOOK AROUND’ TRACKLISTING
1. Becoming
2. Bigger Than Me
3. Passion
4. Happenstance
5. Human
6. The Brink
7. Paris
8. Cherish
9. The Cure
10. Readymade
11. It’s Almost Christmas In Philly
12. Worldly-wise
13. Learning You
14. Love Me Right
15. Care Less
INTERVIEW: HOLLY HEBE SAY NOTHING HURTS, SHE PROMISES
One of our newest writers, Keely caught Holly Hebe for a chat about her latest release ‘nothing hurts, I promise’, and she tells us where it really hurts.
Hi Holly! Would you be able to tell me a little bit about yourself? How’re things going now that life is sort of somewhat back to normal?
Things are going well! I live in a little town in Mornington Peninsula, it’s super cute and small and cosy and I love it. I’ve just got my little studio set up in my room, I spend a lot of time they’re just kind of writing and producing and I’ve got a little outdoor piano that I sit at and play a lot at as well. I think it's so nice to be able to sit outside and play music, it’s a lot more inspiring sometimes, than sitting inside. I started uni last year doing interactive composition at VCA, so that's been really fun. It’s like a really different side of music that I haven’t really experienced before. A lot of art music and kind of more abstract, I guess. That sort of side to music has been really cool. So it’s been fun to have kind of producing at home and doing the songwriting thing and then having that side as well going at the same time. I think they’ve been able to sort of complement each other really well which has been fun. I had a great summer break just gigging and jamming out with heaps of friends and things like that, meeting lots of musos and that was just like the best thing ever. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve gotten out of being more of a solo artist and gigging a lot more so far this year, is just the people I’ve been able to meet. It’s just been awesome.
Your new single is called ‘nothing hurts I promise’ and it’s incredibly beautiful,
I must say I’m very much a fan. Can you give me some more background on that? What was the inspiration behind writing it, how did that go?
I feel like one day I was just sitting at my piano and I was just improvising as I mostly do when I sit at my piano, just kind of playing whatever comes out. And kind of stumbled across this piano riff I guess that I really liked, I kind of fiddled around with that a lot. After meeting so many amazing people over the past couple of months, and I don’t know, certain people I guess just like come/go in your life and they impact you. I just had this feeling that people were impacting me a lot more than what I was impacting them. I was just meeting all these amazing people and I was so inspired by them, and I was like “oh my goodness, I’d just love to be able to give that back to someone.” I guess I wrote this song about things that you don’t say and just really wanting to tell people how you feel and how that’s kind of impacted you or made your life better, but just being too scared. I think in the long run it’s kind of those unsaid words that end up hurting you a bit more. So that’s sort of what the song is about, the song is pretty special to my heart I guess like it means a lot to me. I’ve really enjoyed the process of kind of building this song up from the roots and just having it as sort of a piano riff at the start, and then experiencing all these new connections over the past couple months and then just being so inspired by all of that, then kind of building the song from there.
You had a single launch recently! How did you find the song was received with the audience and how did you feel playing that live for the first time? How was that experience for you?
It was so fun, I think it was kind of what I’ve been working towards for so long and what me and my band have been putting a lot of hard work into. I think to be able to just finally play it at an event that was made for that song, I think that was really special. I told a little bit of the story about the song beforehand and things like that and it was just so nice to see people kind of moving a little bit to it and just seeing people’s faces in the crowd, which is really cool. I think just singing it live made it a lot more real. I guess it’s sort of all the times that I’ve been singing it to myself at home or my first voice memo recordings of the song when I was first writing it and then finally playing live, it’s just the best feeling. It's kind of like “oh, this is what I’ve been working towards .” So yeah it was really cool.
That’s incredible! So you’ve received you’ve released a couple of singles lately… Is this a hint at an EP release, or what are your future plans (If you can tell us!)?
I really think that I’d love to put together an EP, I think at this stage I’m sort of just writing and producing and then being like, “oh yeah I probably should release things!” I guess when I first started releasing I didn't really know where it would go and if would continue releasing, because I feel like I do a lot of different things in my music world in terms of producing and then all my uni work. So it’s a lot of different projects that I’ve got going on. But I’m loving this solo act, and I think with the collection of songs that I’ve got going on I’d love to put together an EP and kind of tell a bit more of a story. So definitely stay tuned!
I’m super curious, what does your writing process look like when you are putting together a song? You mentioned that you use a piano.
It’s so awesome, I’ve got this super old piano, it’s over 100 years old and it's so beautiful. It’s sitting in my lounge room and I’ve basically written probably all of my songs at that piano. I feel like a lot of the times where the songs are little more personal or they’re a bit more poetic or lyrical or closer to me; they always start at that piano. Because I’m sitting down and I’m just in my feels or feeling super inspired. Then other times I’ll be sitting at my laptop just with my computer program open to producing and a riff will just pop into my head and I quickly record it down and then usually goes from there. I feel like if I think too much about the producing side, I overthink it and then I never get the song done. But sometimes I just like chuck in whatever happens and in a couple of hours I’ll be done and it’s so exciting, ‘cause those songs usually turn out to be the ones I like the most. I feel like the ones that I start at my piano are often the more personal ones and then I’ll record them. Then other times I’m just sitting on my laptop and I’ll be like “oh let’s just do something and see what happens” and that’s so much fun. I feel like there’s two different ways of writing and creating a really good ‘cause it kind of suits then different songs that end up coming out at the end which is really cool.
How did you know and when did you know that this was something you wanted to pursue in the music industry?
I don’t think I’ve ever thought of being anything else but a musician in my whole life. I remember when I was really young and I started playing the piano, I think I was four when I first sort of played and then started getting lessons when I was five. I have never ever thought of another career path. Which I think is probably a little bit naïve.
When I was younger I just always thought like “I just have to be a musician, like this the only option.” I think that’s actually been a bit of a blessing and a curse because I’ve sort of had tunnel vision. I just cannot see myself doing anything else and I think that’s actually really motivated me because it’s just what I absolutely love doing. I think that maybe took a bit of pressure off during school because like I felt like I really knew where I was wanting to go and so that was helpful in terms of picking my subjects and things like that I feel like. I enjoyed year 12 a lot more because I was doing subjects that I really loved that I knew that would help me to get to where I wanted to be later on in life.
Obviously still working towards it, I don’t know. It'’s just so cool that I get to have a passion, and I’m really grateful for that. I feel like the past year when I started releasing music, I was like “yeah this solo artist thing is really, really fun, and just being able to play in a band is awesome so I’d love to ride this wave a bit more.” I think originally always knew that I want to do something in music but didn’t know 100% what that would be. I feel like it’s always going to change, but this solo artist thing is really fun and I’m loving doing it at the moment.
And lastly, I just wanted to know who your top three Aussie artists/acts are right now?
I really like Aodhan, he’s from Sydney, he was in the Triple J Unearthed High in 2019. His music’s awesome, I really, really love his sound and his band’s vibe I guess. I really love Velvet Bloom, another Melbourne muso. She’s awesome and her music’s just so inspiring and the way she writes things I think is really, really cool.
And then, I mean you can’t go past Spacey Jane and stuff like that. I feel like they’ve
really revolutionised that Aussie band sound the past couple of years and that’s been
really awesome. Oh, there’s just too many I just love them all.
Listen to ‘Nothing Hurts I promise’ HERE
FOLLOW HOLLY HEBE
Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple Music | iTunes | Triple J Unearthed | Facebook | Instagram
OUR FIRST PHOTO GALLERY IS LIVE Y’ALL!
We can’t thank Lauren enough for her fantastic skills and involvement with The BackBeat, and can’t wait to see more of what she’s got to give us!
Thanks to the wonderful, talented babe that is Lauren Barrey, we FINALLY have our first photography gig and gallery, now live, HERE.
As part of THIS piece for The Pierce Brothers by the also wonderful and talented babe that is Tori Louise, our first photographed review is live on our Reviews page now, and it all looks and sounds incredible.
We can’t thank Lauren enough for her fantastic skills and involvement with The BackBeat, and can’t wait to see more of what she’s got to give us!
INTERVIEW: ALEXANDER BIGGS AND THE FEELINGS BEHIND ‘HIT OR MISS’
Melbourne creative Alexander Biggs released his debut album 'I've Been Holding Onto You For Way Too Long' earlier this month and our girl Kayla chatted to him all things Biggs.
Melbourne creative Alexander Biggs has released his debut album ‘Hit or Miss'. The album is about hanging onto the idea of someone after they’ve left the room like you’re hanging onto their ghost or a husk like a cicada—all the insides gone, taken off, old here and new somewhere else—like an outline of dust in a roadrunner cartoon. Our girl Kayla chatted to him all things Biggs.
You’re quite well known for these incredibly distinct, almost poignant emotive songs - ones of which resonate deeply with many people. How do you find that your musics ability to touch so many people has influenced the manifestation of the themes present within your songs?
I try not to think too much about anyone else’s perception of my music. I remember a time when I was like, 19, playing the first kind of iteration of my project, like the very raw, beginner phase of figuring out what you’re going to sound like, and how to write songs, and someone telling me I reminded them of Death Cab, and I didn’t know any of their music, except that one song, so I looked it and then found myself emulating them, and I don’t even think I was the biggest fan at the time. I’m not saying I’d do that now, but I know that feeling now, and I know how you can take your own agency away when you worry about what others think about you, well-meaning or not.
Do you find you often write to appeal to the emotions of your listeners or are these songs truly written on the basis of your own experiences and emotive forethought?
I write solely to explore what I want to explore and to channel what I want to channel. I think there is a desire to connect with people, maybe offer a feeling of our shared experience, but I don’t let that come first, that comes after the fact. I write the songs because I’m compelled to, and they resonate second. I can only write from that experience.
In a 2018 interview - you’re quoted as saying “Melbourne is an inspiring place to live” have you taken inspiration for your new album release from any local talent, locations or occurrences that your listeners mightn’t have caught in your album’s musings?
Nah, I don’t look out at people like that. I appreciate Melbourne artists, any artists, for the unique things they bring to the table, their voices. I think Melbourne is imprinted heavily in my songs, but maybe more in just a personal sense. Songs translate to many locations, but in my mind I see where I was, or where I’m singing about. The new stuff I’m writing has a lot more of a city feel to it with a hint of northern suburbs. The stuff on Hit or Miss feels 90 percent northern suburbs, 10 percent NYC.
You have been a support act for some incredibly talented artists like Stella Donnelly and Julien Baker. If you could pick anyone in the industry to support (past artists included) who would absolutely make your lifetime if they asked you to support them?
I’m really hoping Ruby Gill takes me touring the world with her when she gets famous.
Your discography has a really consistent sound and tone - often as listeners we assume that your album release has direct connotations to your emotional state at the time of writing and it definitely has an almost cathartic feel to it - talk us through the process and feelings behind ‘Hit or Miss’.
The process was a whole bunch of recording, a whole bunch of feeling things, and a whole bunch of stressing about it.
How does it make you feel as a musician to know that people all over the world are listening to your music?
It’s neat to think people around the world are listening to my music. It’s a privilege, but one I don’t think about too much.
If you could think of any scenario or location in which you think your album is best listened to what would that look like? (for example I could definitely see myself crying into a tub of ice cream listening to ‘mostly i feel nothing’ haha)
I think it’s a headphone-walk kind of album. Walk around your neighbourhood at dusk. That’s the mood.
What can we expect from you in future? Are you ever tempted to produce collaborations or experiment with new genres?
Ummmm, I’m really interested in synths and euclidean rhythms but I’m not sure how much they’ll feature in the next stuff. Still exploring. Well, synths are involved a little, but I’m not going full radiohead or anything. They have such distinct characters and feelings, which I feel helped a lot when used sparingly in the last stuff. I’d like to turn it up a notch maybe.
Writing an album can be quite the process - did the songs on ‘Hit or Miss’ come to you over a length of time or did you smash it out and work on the production side of things more?
Hit or Miss was an ever-evolving process. It had so many different iterations, and a lot of songs got bumped out for others. I think it took a lot of time because it hadn’t yet arrived, and then one day it did, and it felt right.
Do you fear being pigeonholed to one type of genre or do you feel as though your current releases are the most authentic reflection of your past, present, and future self?
Yeah, I mean, most artists in my experience don’t like that. The amount times I get put in some, surf chill coffee strum playlist is a little annoying but I’m also grateful, and at the end of the day, you can’t choose who listens to you. I think any of the people I look up to or that my ego would want to be validated by would think my record was trash or trite or something haha
Music often provokes a feeling of nostalgia or provokes emotion tied to events in one’s life. Do you find that performing songs consistently stops this from occurring for you, or if anything does it make you remember events, feelings etc more vividly?
Maybe at first. I get tired of songs sometimes, but I’d say the feeling just develops and evolves into something else. It’s like looking at old photos—they still do something to you, but it’s not the same as being there. Probably for the best.
How has the response to your new album been so far? Is this what you expected or has it exceeded your expectations?
It’s been nice. I didn’t really know what to expect so I just take it day by day.
Congratulations on a super great album it’ll definitely be getting a ton of listens from me!
Thanks :)
'Hit or Miss' is OUT NOW
FOLLOW ALEXANDER BIGGS
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
APPLE MUSIC | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP | SOUNDCLOUD
INTERVIEW: BEKS ON HER NEW SINGLE AND PROJECT
Alt-pop queen, Beks (FKA RACKETT) chats to the BackBeat about her latest single and video ‘Stars In My Eyes’.
Alt-pop queen, Beks (FKA RACKETT) chats to the BackBeat about her latest single and video ‘Stars In My Eyes’.
Can you give us an outline of your transition from ‘RACKETT’ to ‘Beks’? What were your intentions behind the new name and project?
Beks is an extension of myself personally. I changed my name to strip back the layers and to better represent my solo work moving forward. I’ve been on a journey of self-discovery through music, writing with producers and artists from all around the world. I’ve been writing so much music that has informed me more about who I am as an independent songwriter and what I can create with confidence in myself. I’ve chosen to adopt my new artist name Beks to signify a new era for me as a songwriter. A new beginning, one that will carry my new work cohesively into the future. Since September 2020, I’ve been working daily with songwriters and producers in studios within Sydney and also in the UK via zoom. I’ve set out to create a mixtape which features co-writes and production by Taka Perry, Jim Eliot (Ladyhawke, EAST), Xira, Cam Nacson, Tasker, Lucy Neville, Nina Jirachi, Kim Moyes (The Presets), Airports and more. This mixtape has developed my sound, leaning further into pop than ever before
You’ve recently released your single ‘Stars In My Eyes’ alongside a music video which features you portraying three different characters. I’m assuming these characters are representations of yourself, could you tell me a little bit about each of them?
Yes, these are the different parts of my personality. The light, ethereal type angel is the naive dreamer, the glamorous mermaid is the sensual part of my personality expressing my sexuality and the fearless daredevil represents the risk-taker and the showwoman inside me. The angel is set in a rundown fairgrounds ride yard amongst dandelions, the mermaid sits on a led lit coral sprout and the daredevil rises on a forklift, balancing on the beams 3 meters in the air without a harness in heels.
As a songwriter, you seem to pull a lot of inspiration from your personal experiences as well as your development as an artist and a person. What else inspires your writing?
Yes, that's true, most of what I write is directly based on my experiences and the emotions I need to express. But since I've been co-writing so much, I haven't had a lot of time for socialising and dating so I've drawn from my co-writers' experience. I recently wrote two new songs with Clara Fable for my mixtape and these stories were based on her personal experience, I'd kinda run all the option out of my own heartbreak by then. I also wrote a song with Korkey Buchek for my mixtape called 'Fermented Mandarin' which is about my fancy friends' obsession with skin contact wine and another one with Taka Perry and Luke McChesney called 'Reject Party' about getting kicked out of my house recently. It's refreshing to find new topics that aren't always about a singular romantic fail.
What has been your COVID-19 experience? Did you find it a time for rest and reflection or an opportunity to crack down on songwriting and creating?
Covid was a really busy time for me actually. In April 2020, I conceptualised, produced and directed 'Loud n Queer TV' with Heaps Gay and Create or Die. It was an idea I had for a live stream show from my room which I pitched to Heaps Gay and Create or Die who jumped onboard. We co-created three seasons which aired on Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gray, focused on delivering an hour-long variety show with performances by artists from the LGBTQIA+ community. We've been nominated for an FBI SMAC Award which is pretty cool. After we completed three seasons, I jumped back into my music full time, writing with producers and artists in Australia and in the UK via zoom to create my debut mixtape. I got a publishing deal with Wise Music as well, during COVID so writing K-POP and really embracing what my life would look like as a full-time songwriter.
With restrictions in all states easing, gigs and tours are finally back! Do you have any gigs lined up? And anything you’re looking forward to?
I'm working on my mixtape which is now 15 tracks long and unlike my old music, I didn't use any guitars or live drums, all beats and synth so I'm excited to reinterpret that, live. I don't have any shows at this stage, I'm entering a whole new market of pop so I'm spending some time learning about that scene.
Speaking of gigs, what would be your dream festival line up for you to play alongside?
Oh yes, I love this question. My favourite artist is Charli XCX so I'd be stoked to play anywhere with her, added bonus A$AP Rocky and Solange.
Top 3 artists you’ve been listening to recently and why?
I just got my Spotify summary back for 2020 and my top 3 artists I listen to the most are me (lamo), Dante Knows and Charli XCX. Atm I'm listening to Muki, Clara Fable, Caroline Polachek, Ash Nikko, Dorian Electra and Nikki Fresh! If you don't know Nikki Fresh, it's Nicol Richie's environmental rap project produced by Joel Madden and my favourite discovery of 2020. It's all on my POP AF playlist.
Finally, what’s next for Beks?
So I've just dropped the first song off my mixtape 'Stars in My Eyes' and the second single 'The Thing About Us' is out on Friday, Dec 11th. It's an absolute dance floor banger I wrote with Cam Nacson(Sad Boi) and Tamika Nacson (Xira) and just found out it's been added to Nova Coles radio so listen out when you're doing your Christmas shopping (haha). In 2021 I'll be dropping new music I made with Taka Perry, Kim Moyes (The Presets), Jim Eliot (Ella Goulding), Korkey Buchek, Lucy Neville, Clara Fable, Airports and more. BTS I'll be continuing to co-write and try to have somewhat of a personal lifeto draw from.
‘Stars In My Eyes’ is out now! Stream HERE
VOODOO BLOO’S TOP NZ VISITS
It’s what we like to call Australia’s little sister - but they definitely have a bunch of things over us - Jacinda Arden, Hobbitton, the gorgeous landscapes - the list goes on, and here it is! Leading up to his upcoming EP release, here are punk rocker Voodoo Bloo’s top 5 New Zealand faves
It’s what we like to call Australia’s little sister - but they definitely have a bunch of things over us - Jacinda Arden, Hobbitton, the gorgeous landscapes - the list goes on, and here it is! Leading up to his upcoming EP release, here are punk rocker Voodoo Bloo’s top 5 New Zealand faves;
Wellington CBD - “I couldn’t make this list without talking about the place I grew up. Honestly the coolest city in the world. Everything in the CBD is very compact yet it isn’t overcrowded in the slightest, some of the best pubs you will find anywhere (try and hunt down the secretly placed “R Bar” if you want some pirate-themed rum cocktails and a good time), and street food cheap yet beautiful. What more could you want out of a hometown?”
Rotorua - “Okay, we get it, it smells a little bit eggy when you get there (and when I say a little bit, I mean a lot), but it’s the closest thing we have to an amusement park (sorry Rainbows End, you don’t quite cut it) in our small nation. The Luge and hot springs are especially a highlight, one of the prettiest places to go in summer.”
Mount Maunganui - “Yet another beautiful town in the summer. I actually stayed in a bach up there for 3 weeks recently and like all good New Zealand towns, everything is right at your fingertips. I’m not much for hiking, but the view from the top of the mount is well worth the trek, and unlike my previous pick, no traces of egg can be found anywhere.”
Taco Bell, West Auckland - “If you couldn’t tell, I’ve already ran out of places I wanna talk about in New Zealand, though I would endorse the one and only Taco Bell in New Zealand in a heartbeat (if Taco Bell is reading this, hit me up with that sponsorship deal yeah?). I’ve spent many hungover Sundays from my visits to the busy city in this fast food restaurant, all the perils of uneasiness and post-rager recovery have come to an end as soon as I take a bite out of that beautiful 5 dollar burrito wrap. Am I a simple man for putting this on the list? Probably, but this is my list not yours, so yeah.”
Wellington Airport - “Okay, I’ve not given up on Wellington, and I’m not trying to imply I wanna bail by adding this, but I simply just wanna say that you cannot find a giant gandalf riding a bird in any other airport. Is that not enough for it to be on this list? How about a massive dragon head (Smaug’s to be specific)? No? Alright. Your loss not mine. It’s awesome, 10/10, would fly again.”
Check out the latest release ‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’ below and keep an eye out for the album - ‘Jacobus’ is released Friday, December 4th.
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HOT DONNAS TAKE YOU AROUND THEIR FAVOURITE LOCAL NZ HANGS
We spoke to the guys who were able to give us the run down on a few local spots in Dunedin that were never a bad decision for all the good foods, check out the must do’s below.
HOT DONNAS TOP DUNEDIN EATS
Well we know a few things for certain… Since making their debut in 2017 with the Greek Yoghurt album, Hot Donnas have been releasing music and touring consistently throughout NZ and even out to Australia in the three years since. Their energy on stage is unmatched and with their new music ready to go, the band is champing at the bit for their return to touring. The Dunedin four-piece have been creating music primed to get bodies moving, heads banging and brains hooked on their infectious melodies and fired up rock attitude. Having just released their latest single ‘Two Brains’ the guys are gearing up to drop their EP ‘The Adventures of E-WAN’ on Friday the 13th of November. The last thing we know is that they love food. We mean all of the food. Plus a sneaky bev or 10.
‘Two Brains’ is the sort of track that could exist in the same sonic landscape as early Arctic Monkeys as it could Queens of the Stone Age. A song about indecision, overthinking and figuring out which way is best to proceed, ‘Two Brains’ is three minutes, fifteen seconds of shredding guitars, thrashing percussion and strangely hypnotic vocals. The perfect dose of rock serotonin for any fan.
“I wrote the hook for ‘Two Brains’ in my head at the end of a big night of foolishness, when I found myself facing a decision of what to do next. The ultimate suggestion throughout the song being that whichever choice I make throughout my life, I will face the nagging pressure from both good and bad influences. And forever be lost bouncing between the consequences of my judgement.”
Jacob King, Hot Donnas
We spoke to the guys who were able to give us the run down on a few local spots in Dunedin that were never a bad decision for all the good foods, check out the must do’s below.
Mornington Tavern
This pub is the local watering hole for the Hot Donnas and a very quick 5 minute stumble from their flat. The taphouse is the perfect place to start your weekend with large pizzas and cheap pints.
Eureka Cafe & Bar
This bar is for when the Hot Donnas lads are feeling fancy. Eureka supplies an ever changing range of the best New Zealand craft beer and cider. Their food is also some of the best you can buy in Dunedin. If it’s a business meeting, it’s a Eureka meeting.
Cafe Tokyo
This Japanese takeaway is God's gift to the human race. Their crispy chicken rice balls are a thing of beauty. This team never disappoint and are a must-have whilst stopping into the city of Dunedin. Jacob has spent many hundreds of his hard earned dollars at this fine establishment, with not one regret.
North Dunedin Dominoes
You know what it is. It's cheap, it's nasty, but boy does it fill a gap on a sunday after you've spent your last penny in catacombs. hawaiian with a peri-peri swirl is one of the boys' go to choices. The wings here are a thing of beauty too.
Location classified
Last but certainly not least is our good mate and neighbours house. This is one of the greatest spots that Dunedin has to offer. Whether you're starting the party or kicking on at the crack of dawn, this is the place you want to be. DM the boys for the address!
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THE GROGANS GIVE US THEIR BTS VISUAL DIARY FOR ‘DAY / TO / DAY’
The Grogans have given us a sneak peek into their BTS lives for the making of their latest release ‘Got A gIrl’ and their upcoming album ‘Day / To / Day’ - coming out this Friday November 13th!
The Grogans have given us a sneak peek into their BTS lives for the making of their latest release ‘Got A gIrl’ and their upcoming album ‘Day / To / Day’ - coming out this Friday November 13th!
This picture gives a little look into the gear we use. Quinny’s a master with all this stuff but we all love experimenting with different gear. This was taken when we were recording the guitar track for ‘Graveyard Sleepin’’. We recorded most of this song through an old tape machine. We’ve been thinking about doing a track through tape for a while and thought this would be the perfect track for it as it’s got a really 60’s sound.
Taken just before we started recording “Got A Girl”, I was just trying to get a bit of ring out of my floor tom by whacking some moon gel on the top and bottom of it, not really sure why I was lying underneath it, probably a bit worn out from the day prior. This is a pretty floor tom heavy so I had to make sure it was sounding alright. That sheet of paper had the song structure on it so that I wouldn’t forget, and the beer was so I didn’t get parched.
This photo is a nice one to look back on. I think we are doing some group vocals for the track ‘Like You’. Group vocals are always fun for heaps of reasons, there’s nothing like belting out some lines with your best mates but group vocals are usually one of the last takes we do for most of our tracks. You really hear it all come together when you lay down the final touches like group vocals. It was probably past 2am in this photo and we’d been recording all day but were still so keen to keep adding to our works and keeping the smile on our dials.
It’s always super important that we have a break from recording every few hours or so. If you’re in the studio non stop it can get pretty tiring so we make sure we get some fresh air and chill out before we get stuck back into it. When we’re recording at Ocean Grove we usually go for a surf or skate to break things up or even just some lunch and drinks on the deck and we’re good as new!
While having a lil lunch break, our manager Cousin Will wanted to get some pics to use for posts and what not. I think it can be pretty hard for us to take serious flicks most of the time, and I think it shows. Gus and I were probably (definitely) trying to push Quin onto the wet grass or something, plus we’d just been recording inside for hours, gotta get some energy out ya know.
Be sure to check out the album ‘Day / To / Day’ out this Friday, November 13th!
RECORDING RITUALS WITH JACK DAVIES & THE BUSH CHOOKS
Jack Davies and the Bush Chooks gave us a run down on their usual ‘recording rituals and their creative process behind their funky folky tracks.
Jack Davies and the Bush Chooks gave us a run down on their usual ‘recording rituals and their creative process behind their funky folky tracks.
Our ritual for recording generally involves lots of snacking and jamming and pacing around. We’ll try to get there at around 11am (We’re not morning people). We never really plan for lunch and usually end up getting a burrito, which in the confined space that is a recording studio can be a bit of a challenge. Dinner then usually gets left till whenever we stumble home.
Some days, when we’re treating ourselves, we’d also do a coffee run in the morning, and a bottle-o run in the evening. Otherwise we’re stuck with instant coffee and whatever five dollar bottle of wine we can find hiding away in one of our backpacks. Also a kilo tub of hummus and turkish bread was a frequent sight, snacks in the afternoon functioned well as a sustainer of the good mood… Snacks aside, we started off early in the year by live tracking seven songs; mostly older songs but a few new ones too.
After lock down we came back and recorded a whole bunch of new songs and dropped some of the older tunes, I guess it was our way of moving forward when things changed, and it felt like the right thing. We didn’t keep all the new ones either though. But I would be keen to come back to all those songs at some point in time, when we have more resources I guess. Maybe in an album.
Anyway, back to recording… We never really had much of a warm up ritual, generally Elise would have a cuppa tea and play through the melodies a few times, George would have a beer and turn the amp up real loud, Chet would hang in the car park and I’d go find somewhere to yell. Sounds chaotic but actually it was really calm, usually it’s just one person recording at a time so the rest of the crew get to hang out and keep the good energy going.
CHECK OUT LATEST RELEASE ‘HALF FROZEN BEER’
INTERVIEW: SKYWAY TALK COME BACKS AND MACHINE GUN KELLY
After quite a few years out of the scene Gold Coast pop punk outfit Skyway are back. I missed these guys first time around but that will be changing this time! I caught up with Daniel last week to talk about the new single, making a come back during a pandemic and Machine Gun Kelly…..
After quite a few years out of the scene Gold Coast pop punk outfit Skyway are back. I missed these guys first time around but that will be changing this time! I caught up with Daniel last week to talk about the new single, making a come back during a pandemic and Machine Gun Kelly…..
So after all these years you guys have chosen to release a new song during a pandemic!!
Yeah, they say there’s no better time right! It’s been a crazy year. A lot of things have happened, and people have had a bit of a hard time. We recorded this last year with no indication that this was what 2020 was going to involve. But it’s here and rather than wait and bide our time we just got excited. We want to put it out and we want to start playing. We want people to hear it so here we are.
I missed you guys the first time around; I was off being a mum. Is it still the same line-up? Yeah it’s still the same line-up. We are still hanging, making music and keen to play shows. Have you guys still been making music together for the last 8 or so years?
No not really. Individually we have done a few different things musically. A few different projects here and there but nothing together. Last year was kind of the first time we all came together. I mean we have shot across a few ideas here and there and had a few little jams over the years. Last year was when we got serious about actually doing something substantial and recording to release something.
There was a reason for that, or you all just decided now was the right time?
Over the years we have entertained the thought, going back and forward with we should do this and that. One thing or another always stopped that. Last year we had a few jams, and we were like this stuff is sounding really cool we should record it. Commit to it and stick with it and see how we go. And here we are. Nothing is really planned; I think it is what it is. Something things just happen, and some things don’t, and it just happened for us last year. We are excited to be here.
I saw all these posts pop up of social media and I had no clue who you were, so I’ve been jamming your old stuff to catchup!
It’s been awhile so I can’t blame you there. Obviously it’s been awhile between making music. 8 years is a long time in the music world to kind of stop and start. I’m sure there are a lot of people exactly like you that haven’t really heard about us.
You better give us a quick rundown of who Skyway are then.
We’re a pop punk/punk rock band from the Gold Coast. We are releasing a new EP on 20th November. It’s there, it’s raw and it has a bit of energy which is what we are all about. We are looking forward to putting it out. If you’re keen have a listen.
You’ve obviously got a few people keen because your Spotify for the single is sitting on 7.5K.
It’s going pretty well. It’s always hard to try and predict anything in this industry, especially after having so much time off. I’m really happy with where it is at and how it has been received and everything else is a bonus. If I can make one person get a little bit of joy out of it then that is a massive bonus. The number one thing for us was that we were happy with it.
Pop punk seems to be making a bit of a resurgence lately.
It’s weird. It seems like a lot of different genres of music always come around full circle. It dies off for a bit and then there will be some popularity again. Have you heard Machine Gun Kelly’s pop punk album?
I have! I didn’t ever think I would listen to MGK let alone be singing along to it but here I am!!!
I know. I think that has done a massive for that kind of music because he is getting a lot of ears on it that haven’t really listened to that and that is only good for it. It’s back in the mainstream. I think his album was number one on the Billboard Charts which is frigging huge. It’s majorly dominated by hip hop stuff so for that kind of music to break through again and get the number one spot is massive. I think you are going to start seeing some more of it around. Some more new bands pop up and stuff like that. I think there are sub genres of it now. It seems like back in the day pop punk was Blink 182 or New Found Glory. It was encapsulated I that sound. But now you have more kind of emo pop punk or the more punk rock pop punk. It’s so broad now.
It’s becoming harder to put a lot of bands in a specific genre full stop. Especially across metalcore.
I think that is the way of the future of music really. It’s just the way things happen; things evolve and if genres get melded together that means you are experimenting with different stuff and I think that is great. That’s what it is all about.
I do too. I’m not a fan of genres. I think bands are playing for themselves again, not so much for the audience. This is seeing some amazing songs get released.
That’s it. That is what it should be all about, it shouldn’t be about pleasing anyone besides what you are doing and that’s exactly what we have done. We made the EP we wanted to make. I think these days you have more freedom.
People can do the entire thing themselves now and get it up onto all the platforms. You don’t actually need a label to get your music out there.
Yeah that’s right. You don’t have the outside pressure of people telling you what you should be and what you should do. It’s so much easier these days to get your music out there and not have to rely on any other outside sources.
I know Spotify isn’t the best place to put your music with the return that you get but when you are a new band starting out and you think what you have to outlay to produce a cd or record, then tour it and all the other added extras…
It’s hard to make a dollar on the streams with the way it is set up. I think that is only a matter of time before that changes. I think that there is going to be an uproar, a revolution or something like that amongst musicians. It is what it is and that is the landscape that we are in at the moment. In regard to getting your music out there we are in a much better position now than we were 10 years ago. Obviously there are still issues to iron out. Hopefully that happens. I think the freedom the musicians have these days to be able to get your music out there is amazing.
Definitely. So tell me about ‘Cut the Ties’
This is the first one that we decided to release. It’s a faster song, a bit more punchy. There are a few themes. It’s a song about disconnecting, whether it be anything in your life I suppose that you consider not healthy. That can range from a few different things; alcohol, substance abuse, abusive relationships. Anything in your life that you think is not good for you or not contributing in a positive way and you are cutting yourself away from that. That is what the song entails. There’s a few personal themes in there for me. I’m just coming up on two years sober now, I decided two years ago not to drink anymore or do anything like that. So there was a bit of personal input there for me. It’s just my lifestyle now and that’s the way I wanted to change. I’m happy with how everything went and with my life. I mean it works for me. I’m not one of those people that go out there and try and preach to people to be sober and do this and that. If someone is happy doing whatever then I’m happy. It’s just what worked for me. That’s my interpretation of it, people obviously have their own interpretations, and this is just one of the themes that added to the song.
What about the title of the EP ‘Hope floats, Love Sinks’
It was a lyric off ‘Cut The Ties’ in the bridge. I just think that it really fit with all the kind of lyrical and musical themes on the EP. I mean it speaks for itself really, especially with the goings on of 2020. I think everyone could use some hope and to remember that there is always something to hope for. Sometimes the love can sink but if you keep the hope hopefully you can resuscitate it. I just thought it was a good little hook and it explains and summarises the EP.
You shared the stage with some pretty impressive bands last time around.
We played quite a few shows back in the day in our short time. In terms of our lifespan we kind of went pretty hard out the gate. We played with some amazing bands, a lot of amazing local bands too. We were really lucky to be able to share those experiences.
Hopefully it won’t be long before you can jump back on the stage.
That’s the thing isn’t it. Live music has taken a hit this year but hopefully 2021 can bring it back on track and we can get the scene thriving again.
I think the scene is still thriving but just in a different way at the moment. Fan bases have gone up, bands are interacting more on the socials with fans. Music is still being released and people are looking into bands a bit deeper.
That’s definitely something that has been happening. Obviously people are online a lot, I mean what else is there to do. Being locked down and listening to music, checking out your favourite bands. But I am sure that there are a lot of people out there that just want to hear some live music again too. I mean people love live music; I do. There is nothing better than going to a show where a band that you really enjoy is playing. I’m really hoping it’s not too far away before they lift some of these restrictions, like the seated restrictions. Obviously it’s good that there is still the ability to have a live show even with those restrictions, but nothing beats a mosh pit! Especially for the heavier music.
Any last words?
‘Hope Floats, Love Sinks’ is out on 20 th Nov. We appreciate everyone that is checking out the new single ‘Cut The Ties’. The people that have sent messages, or like stuff we have put online. We really appreciate it, and we can’t wait to play our new stuff live. Hopefully we will get to Adelaide when everything is back to normal. Until then the EP will be out online, and people can check it out via Spotify, Apple Music those usual outlets. Also thanks for having me.
SKYWAY ARE:
Daniel McMaster – Vocals
Rohan Chant – Guitar
Daniel Hawkins - Vocals & Guitar
Rupert Muir – Bass
Ben Hallett - Drums.
Roll on normality and gigs because these guys will be on my list of bands to see. Check out Skyway’s new single below and hit up their socials.
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INTERVIEW: BLONDE TONGUES TALK SONIC INFLUENCES AND ART
Dan caught up with Cal Mateer of the Brisbane Dreampop band ‘Blonde Tongues’ to talk about sonic influences, band life and the importance of cover art!
Dan caught up with Cal Mateer of the Brisbane Dreampop band ‘Blonde Tongues’ to talk about sonic influences, band life and the importance of cover art!
How did you first get into music?
Initially I think music came to me through Rage and my mum’s CD of the Cure’s “Greatest Hits.” That CD was especially important in developing a love of music. Songs like “Lullaby” had sounds I was immediately drawn to, and I don’t think have ever really left me.
Who are some of the artists (not exclusively musicians, creatives in general) that have influenced you?
Some artists that we were into while making the albums were obvious to some extent. My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, Swirlies and stuff like that were always on high rotation, but we were also listening to Karen Dalton, Bob Dylan, Slint, Drive Like Jehu and Beat Happening as well. We were heavily focused on music at that point in time, but even poets like Frank O’Hara and Marina Tsvetaeva made their way into our thinking and definitely had an influence on the content of the songs (lyrically). Our song about Paula E. Sheppard (again lyrically) was 100% influenced by her films “Liquid Sky” and “Alice, Sweet Alice.” Definitely check them both out if you haven’t seen them.
What’s the best thing about being in a band? And on the flip side, what’s the hardest?
Best thing is feeling free to express yourself. That was what drew me towards writing songs in the first place. The hardest part might just be me being lazy – I hate loading in and out for gigs. But it might actually be trying to find a time that worked for everyone so that we could practice or record regularly, but life finds a way of getting in the way sometimes.
I can’t really interview you without mentioning your atmosphere drenched single ‘Hey Good Looking’. What was the inspiration behind that song?
Funnily enough we’d started writing the chords for the song and developing the vibe and I was in a Ralph Bakshi phase of my life. So I was watching films like “Fritz the Cat”, “Wizards” and another called “Hey Good Lookin’”. That was where the title came from and that kind of fed everything that you heard on the record now. I had been listening to a lot of the Smiths, Husker Du and Felt as well, so some of the lyrics were reminiscent of some of those bands. But I think the song was about a break-up… who’d have guessed? But it was also me airing out some broader concerns about the world and the existential view I had at the time about things.
How important is good cover art to you? Do you think there’s a correlation between presenting a strong aesthetic or is this something that’s overlooked now?
It’s an essential part of a record for me. There are great records with terrible covers, but the great ones always have something special. The cover of My Blood Valentine’s “Loveless” and Beat Happening’s self-titled are some of those great covers. I feel like all the sounds on those albums sound like how their covers look. I don’t know if it’s overlooked, but I think everyone has different priorities when it comes to covers and sometimes, they get pushed to the side and just get done as a necessity. Which is fine as well, good music doesn’t need a good cover. During the recording of the first record we were listening to Girls heaps and that was us trying to put our spin on those album covers. And the second is just a really special, personal photograph. It was taken in Barcelona or Florence and captured a lot about how I felt at the time making that album. Maybe as long as the image holds meaning for people who created the music is all that matters. But it is a really important part of the process for me.
If you had to pick three things that make a song great, what would they be?
There’s got to be a vibe, something that feels like the band is having fun with what they’re doing. Lyrics are essential for me as well, perhaps the most important (in terms of my listening). Though even if they’re bad, a fantastic vocal melody can save even a terrible song from obscurity and make it a favourite.
Did you get a chance to play any shows outside of Brisbane? How would you compare those with gigging back home?
We actually never played outside of Brisbane. We played mostly in Fortitude Valley, sometimes in the city, and occasionally in West End. That wasn’t because we weren’t offered outside opportunities, we just never found or maybe never made the time to explore further options.
Do you think comfortability affects creative output? If so, positively, or negatively?
I think having a set-up available/close-by really helps, so if that’s comfort, I think it’s important. But, as far as a mind-set goes, I think the negative moments in your life (at least for me) really become important in creating, but that can only ever really happen once you’re in a more positive space and you can look back at things objectively and say what you want to say.
What have you been working on/getting up to Post-Blonde Tongues?
Everyone’s all over the place. Some still live up in Brisbane, others in Melbourne and even the UK. Everyone still makes music from time to time, but mostly just for personal listening and having fun. We’ll sit and drink and listen to music. Not much has changed in that regard, we just haven’t put any of it to use.
And finally, what are you excited for in 2021?
Being able to go to gigs again for sure. But also getting out and exploring more than I have. If COVID taught me anything it’s not to take things like walking around outside without a mask on for granted. I’m keen to find some new things, sounds, etc, that inspire me.
Thank you to Natalie Jackson for setting this interview up!
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