Yorke Takes Sound to Next Level With New Single “next life”

We’re only a quarter of the way in, but it looks like this year will be massive for Yorke. She’s just released a poptastic new single “next life” and announced some headlining shows in addition to some impressive support gigs.

Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis was one of my favourite releases of 2020. It perfectly showcased her introspective lyrics and knack for perfect pop melodies. But I feel Yorke has taken her sound up a few notches with “next life.” While it acknowledges dark feelings of denial and anger, there’s a euphoric optimism that I just can’t resist. Yorke penned the song in a single day with JIM ALXNDR (James Vincent).

“James really took the time to make sure that every word/melody was considered and purposeful allowing for a certain type of vulnerability that’s rare when you first meet someone. It felt like going back to my roots of pure storytelling and that’s why it came together so well,” Yorke explained. “When it was time for production, we already knew what we wanted and spent the rest of the day messing around with different equipment and warped effects. I’m a huge fan of James’ work and had goosebumps the entire day.”

Yorke also produced “next life’s” music video, working alongside director Kyle Caulfield.

“There was a spectacle about this video and the concept that we didn’t want to feel like a music video, we were really pushing for an international cinematic look,” he added. “We wanted it to feel more like a movie or movie trailer, to help the audience digest themselves in the story. It was important to create a new world with the locations, the styling, and other creative choices that help facilitate the story of the song. Exploring the five stages of grief was a big theme of the clip, and it was interesting to explore the representation of these feelings and emotions visually. I also had a lot of fun structuring the scenes and narrative around the arrangement of the song, both James and Grace have both really brought to light some very special sonic moments in this track.”

As I mentioned, Yorke has a stack of gigs on the horizon. She’ll support San Cisco in her hometown of Byron Bay before playing her own gigs and supporting Amy Shark on shows around regional Victoria.

29 April 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (supporting San Cisco)
1 May 2022 – Golden Shores Festival, Gold Coast
26 May 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
27 May 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
12 July 2022 – Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, Wangaratta (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
14 July 2022 – Riverlinks, Shepparton (supporting Amy Shark)
16 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
17 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
19 July 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
20 July 2022 – Bendigo Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
21 July 2022 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat (supporting Amy Shark)
22 July 2022 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
23 July 2022 – Costa Hall, Geelong (supporting Amy Shark)
27 July 2022 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

John Butler Headlining Port Macquarie’s First SummerSalt Concert

John Butler Trio, Mama Kin, and San Cisco are among the big names headed to Port Macquarie in March for the city’s first ever SummerSalt concert. Joined by Spender, Oh Pep!, and local talents Barrel House, this is sure to be a special concert for the coastal city.

SummerSalt was launched with a simple mission to present quality musicians in some of Australia’s most picturesque outdoor venues. Anyone who’s already taken in a SummerSalt concert knows this will be a day out to remember. In addition to the great music on stage, visitors will also be treated to market stalls and grub from mobile food vendors. There’s also a special SummerSalt Lounge area available to people who want to splurge on their tickets.

SummerSalt will hit Port Macquarie’s Westport Park on March 25. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning from Ticketmaster and Oztix.

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

San Cisco Brings Back Summer With “Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?”

Even when winter seems to be prematurely setting in, I can always rely on San Cisco for summery vibes. The Fremantle band’s latest pop gem is “Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?” a new track lifted from LP number three, The Water.

Like everything San Cisco touches, this track is super infectious, in the best possible way. The lyrics, which explore the dissolution of a friendship, are also really relatable.

As I hear more from The Water, it’s clear it’s going to do great things when it’s released later this month.

San Cisco Drop Pop Gem “SloMo”

San Cisco is one of those bands it’s impossible to dislike. Every song the duo releases puts a smile on my feet and starts my feet tapping. They’re so darned catchy, but quirky enough to keep me guessing. The trend continues with “SloMo,” the first official single from album number three.

“’SloMo’ was the first song we wrote as a band after Gracetown,” singer Jordi Davieson explained. “We wanted to create a song that made people want to move.”

Mission accomplished! While you can stream “SloMo” and its aptly named companion “B Side” right now, they’ll also be available on a limited edition two-track seven-inch vinyl, which you can order later this year. San Cisco’s yet-to-be-titled third album will be released in the first quarter of 2017.

San Cisco, Stonefield, and More Play Port Macquarie’s New Memory Lane Festival

Port Macquarie is a lovely place but the residents are a bit starved for live music. The occasional big name act plays The Glasshouse or the local pubs, but most often the people of Port have to make the long drive to Newcastle to see their favourite bands. So I was thrilled to see that Port’s getting a brand new festival, called Memory Lane, this October.

The line-up’s awesome, with San Cisco, Patrick James, Stonefield, and Zefereli playing alongside local heroes Bear in a Man Suit, Plebeian Groove, and Withernecks. There’s also going to be plenty of awesome food on sale and heaps more.

The event welcomes music lovers of all ages, and it’s entirely drug and alcohol free so parents can breathe easy. Something tells me we’re going to see plenty of young things blowing off steam before their end-of-year exams.

Memory Lane hits the laneway behind Port Central on October 18 between noon and 7 pm. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from Oztix.

Image source: MJR Presents

Another Slice of San Cisco Pop

San Cisco brings more good vibes with their latest single “Rocket Ship.”

The cheerful tunes from this Fremantle duo have a way of getting underneath your skin, and this song’s no exception. It’s every bit as catchy as their breakthrough song” Awkward,” with a driving African drum beat and simple singalong chorus that you’ll be humming long after you hear it.

The film clip is just as much fun, with off the wall footage captured by director Matt Saville around San Cisco’s hometown.

“Shooting Rocket Ship was really fun,” explained San Cisco singer Jordi Davieson. ”It was like a day in the life of San Cisco. We hung out with friends and family and did some crazy stuff, some legal, some not so. I have no idea who that is jumping off the bridge!”

Rocket Ship comes from San Cisco’s acclaimed EP Awkward. If you’re hanging out for new music, don’t worry. San Cisco are currently recording their debut album. Until then, this fresh music video should tide you over!

San Cisco Tour “Rocket Ship” Single

San Cisco have followed up their playful breakout single “Awkward” with another upbeat pop gem “Rocket Ship.”

There’s just something about this band’s music that makes me smile. And how could a song about leaving your comfort zone to pursue your dreams be anything but uplifting?

The band are currently wrapping up their EP tour, but they’re not about to sit idly once that’s done. They’ve already announced a string of dates to support the release of “Rocket Ship.” The run includes appearances at the regional Groovin’ the Moo festivals and a few sideshows, including an all ages date in Adelaide. Tickets are on sale now for the following gigs.

27 April 2012 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
2 May 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
3 May 2012 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (All Ages)
5 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Bendigo
6 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Townsville
9 May 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
10 May 2012 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
11 May 2012 – The Zoo, Brisbane
12 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Maitland
13 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Canberra
19 May 2012 – Groovin’ The Moo, Bunbury

Image used with permission from SCG Media

San Cisco Announce Politely Awkward Tour

I’ve been humming “Awkward” since I first heard it in December, and it seems I won’t be able to get it out of my head any time soon. Those cute kids from San Cisco will continue their meteoric rise with their Politely Awkward Tour.

This is the band’s first national run of dates, and they’re making the most of the opportunity. The tour takes in all the major capitals and a few choice regional spots. It coincides with the release of the Awkward EP, which hits stores in February 3.

Make sure you arrive early to catch The Jungle Giants supporting the talented teens. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.

2 February 2012 – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne
3 February 2012 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
4 February 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
9 February 2012 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
16 February 2012 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
17 February 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
18 February 2012 – Spectrum, Sydney
19 February 2012 – The Great Northern, Newcastle
24 February 2012 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Not so Awkward San Cisco

Their latest song might be called “Awkward,” but I’d never use the adjective to describe Fremantle indie rockers San Cisco. This unsigned act sounds much slicker than anyone without the backing of a major label probably should, particularly considering all the members are under 18.

The song is so infectious with its retro pop feel. While its sound takes me back to the early 60s, its themes of teen awkwardness and text communication should speak to today’s youth.

Such talented youngsters scare me a bit. If they’re this good now, how mindblowing will they be once they’ve had the chance to marinate?

San Cisco’s Sexy New Video

Perth’s San Cisco definitely knows what it takes to get people tuning in to their music videos. Hot girls in lingerie will do it every time, at least for a good percentage of the population! Happily their new single “Girls Do Cry” is pretty listenable as well. If you like jangly upbeat pop-rock and/or girls wearing next to nothing, this clip is definitely worth a look!