I don’t tend to get excited by a lot of instrumental electronic music. I’d probably enjoy it if I was in a club dancing the night away, but it usually loses something in the translation when I listen to it during the day at home. However, you don’t need to be partying to appreciate J▲M▲T▲R’s new single “Interstellar.”
The space-age track was actually composed entirely on a Nintendo Gameboy. I’m not sure how one does that or how it would translate to the live arena, but fans will get a chance to find out when J▲M▲T▲R launches the single at The Workers Club in Melbourne on November 10.
Category: Releases
Selahphonic’s New DIY Clip a Real Charmer
After a few days off last week catching up with my best friend visiting from Brisbane, I’m finding making it through this Monday particularly challenging. I’m procrastinating, taking far too long to do basic tasks, and relying a little too much on Coca-Cola. If Monday’s kicking your but too, than “Easy,” the new single from Sunshine Coast indie pop act Selahphonic is bound to strike a chord.
The cheerful ditty about perseverance is thoroughly charming and the perfect match for the adorable clip. It was a DIY job made on a shoestring on the streets of Fortitude Valley. I don’t want to give away spoilers. Just watch it!
Lake Minnetonka Keeping Minneapolis Sound Alive
While I have such fond memories of Prince’s final solo Australian tour, I’m also thrilled that I got to spend time witnessing him playing with a full band. Whether he was with the Revolution, the New Power Generation, or any number of other musicians, it was always a party. While that party may be over, Australian act Lake Minnetonka is determined its spirit doesn’t die out. Why Lake Minnetonka? If you’re not sure, I strongly suggest watching “Purple Rain” pronto!
Inspired by Prince and the Minneapolis sound he pioneered, this Melbourne jazz-funk act knows how to have fun. New single “Out There Bout There” showcases the band’s signature sound with big bold sax riffs and sexy bass licks. The sound is so good that the Revolution’s own Dr Fink has been known to jam with the band. As well as originals like this, Lake Minnetonka also love to bust out classics from Morris Day and the Time, The Family, Mazerati, and other acts that came out of Paisley Park.
Expect all that and more when Lake Minnetonka launches “Out There Bout There” at The Curtin in Carlton on October 27.
The Outdoor Type Speaks for a Generation with “Rumination”
Melbourne troubadour The Outdoor Type has really impressed me with the release of his brand new single “Rumination.”
The song has such a great spontaneous energy, a result of The Outdoor Type’s old school decision to record the track live with a band. I also love its relatable lyrics which speak of rejecting the confines of the nine-to-five life meant to pay off a mortgage you’ll have until you die with your picket fence, dog, and two kids, yet still wanting to prove you’re capable of attaining it.
Having supported the likes of Vera Blue, Tiny Little Houses, and Alex Lahey, The Outdoor Type is ready to play his own shows to support the release of “Rumination.”
28 October 2016 – Rare Finds @ OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney (FREE)
29 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
4 November 2016 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
Image used with permission from Habit Music Company
Middle Kids Squeeze in Local Gigs Before Icelandic Adventures
Fresh from their appearance at Bigsound and gigs supporting City Calm Down, Middle Kids are wasting no time getting back on the road.
The Sydney musos are playing a couple of local shows to promote the release of their gorgeous new single “Your Love” before heading to Reykjavik to play alongside PJ Harvey, Warpaint, and other hot acts. After a brief European stint, they’ll be back to play a local festival in Port Macquarie.
With Middle Kids generating some serious buzz abroad, something tells me our local gigs might be fewer and farther between in the coming years. See them while you can at the following shows.
21 October 2016 – Plan B, Sydney
26 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne
2-6 November 2016 – Iceland Airways, Reykjavik
9 December 2016 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie
Image used with permission from Habit Music Company
Chase City Could Be Tasmania’s Next Big Thing
I don’t hear a lot from band’s coming out of Tasmania, but the irrepressible spirit of Chase City has convinced me I should check out more music from the Apple Isle. The Hobart indie-pop act has just released a brand new single “Surrounded,” which should have you tapping your feet by the first chorus.
Chase City got its big break as part of Triple J’s Unearthed initiative and it hasn’t looked back. Since then it’s been embraced by community radio, blogs around the world, and even Spotify who featured the band on its New Music Friday playlist.
Chase City will play Oktoberfest at home before venturing to Melbourne for the following shows.
8 October 2016 – Oktoberfest, Hobart
10 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
17 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
22 October 2016 – Polish Club, Hobart
24 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
Owls of the Swamp Releases New Single “Start All Over”
My favourite Icelandic-based Aussie, Owls of the Swamp, is giving us a brand new taste of his forthcoming EP Meteorite. Called “Start All Over,” the track is a mellow piece of atmospheric indie-folk, perfect for giving you a little moment of calm during a busy work day.
“Start All Over” came about after Owls of the Swamp took a life-changing trip to Peru. The song sees him considering the bliss he found abroad and contemplating what motivates his “real life.”
Meteorite, featuring “Start All Over,” drops on November 4.
Andrew Samuel Broods With “Hissing Bitterness”
Andrew Samuel’s new single “Hissing Bitterness” is an exercise in restraint. With simmering lyrics given space to breathe, this song from the Sydney singer-songwriter is achingly raw.
“Hissing Bitterness” is the title track from Andrew’s recently released EP.
Leah Flanagan Tours “Saudades”
Fresh from touring her single “Chills,” Leah Flanagan is preparing to hit the road again to celebrate the release of the album it comes from, Saudades.
“Chills” is one of those songs that gets under your skin with its emotional lyrics and vulnerability, and there are more of those feels on the album. The tracks explore all those emotions we carry through to our relationships, romantic and otherwise. Leah’s sultry voice is perfectly set for the songs which play with jazz and blues.
Catch Leah performing songs from her new album at the following shows.
1 October 2016 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Hunter Valley
14 October 2016 – Basement Discs, Melbourne
15 October 2016 – Whistlewood Art Gallery, Main Ridge
20 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 October 2016 – Lismore Showgrounds, Lismore
29 October 2016 – Marrickville Bowling, Marrickville
4 November 2016 – The Bella Union, Melbourne
5 November 2016 – Narana Music Festival, Geelong
12 November 2016 – Candelo Hall, Candelo
19 November 2016 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
Castlecomer Gets Me Grooving With “Judy”
It might be Humpday and relatively early, but I’m feeling better about this Wednesday than most. This is my first day working in my brand new office, a magnificent bright purple space with a Prince canvas on the wall watching over me. It’s heavenly.
So the funky grooves of Castlecomer’s new single “Judy” are really hitting the spot. The track is an absolute ear-pleaser, but it’s got a darker side with its lyrics exploring a taboo relationship from the side of the weaker party.
“Judy” comes from Castlecomer’s new EP All of the Noise. The Sydney band will tour the East Coast this November to celebrate its release.
17 November 2016 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
25 November 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
26 November 2016 – The Reverence Hotel, Melbourne
2 December 2016 – Manning Bar, Sydney
15 December 2016 – The Brightside, Brisbane
16 December 2016 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)