classic and rare Australian popular music from the 1950's, 1960's. 1970's and beyond..including rock and roll, pop, beat, rock, surf and progressive, plus contemporary artists, new releases, reviews and other fun stuff
Charismatic wordsmith Citizen Kay returns with yet another infectious jam in ‘EGO’. Bursting with attitude and swirling synths, Citizen Kay’s voice rides smoothly over the layers of disco grooves. ‘EGO' is sure to become a regular party-starter with funk-filled bass-line, technicolor keys, rush of sax, strings and positivity in tow.
Speaking about the single, CK explains “‘EGO’ might seem like a song about me chasing a long lost love or something, but it's my love-hate relationship with money.”
Migrating to Australia from Ghana at the age of six, Citizen Kay’s made it his mission to make music blending both cultures and includes shades of traditional hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz and rock. This ambition has propelled him to two ARIA nominations for albums ‘Demokracy’ (2014) and ‘We The People’ (2015), with all three previous albums taking out top ten spots in US College Hip-Hop Charts abroad, and an invite to appear on triple j’s prestigious Like A Version.
Where CK feels at home is on stage, spreading his word and uncontainable energy to audiences nationally. Extensive touring has seen the wordsmith take to the road with the likes of Earl Sweatshirt, Danny Brown, Run The Jewels, Wiz Khalifa, Public Enemy and Tkay Maizda and perform at Falls Festival and Groovin' The Moo.
Keep your ego in check with this introspective party track, it's easily Citizen Kay's best work yet.
Australian music charity MMAD (Musicians Making A Difference) recently announced the latest release by Sydney-based international recording and performing artist D Minor. His new single Concrete Pillow, featuring Alli Simpson gives insight into his troubled childhood and experiences with violence, homelessness and overall life struggles. Many years in the making, he started penning they lyrics at an early age to escape hardship and cope with his turbulent family life. “Concrete Pillow talks about my life, and what I've been through - the pain and struggles I had to endure as a child, becoming homeless, placed in foster homes, and shuffled between refuges," he reveals.
A music journalist recently wrote that “D Minor is on the rise and is one to watch”. Despite being homeless by age 11, kicked out of school soon after, and then as a 14-year-old was heartbreakingly separated from his twin brother when they were placed in separate foster homes, D Minor has amazingly managed to overcome adversity and rise to success. Now eagerly completing his degree at the Australian Institute of Music, D Minor reveals he had coincidentally reunited with his brother at a refuge two years after they'd been torn apart. "We reconnected and ensured we sticked together throughout the rest of our time in refuges," he adds. As his love and passion for music became his salvation, his passion for inspiring young people through his music also grew and he regularly started performing for youth events and charities. Also featured on the single is 20-year-old Gold Coast singer, model, actress and host Alli Simpson. Having released three of her own singles in recent years, Alli has a huge social media following and has lent her voice to anti-bullying initiatives, enjoying using her public profile to positively impact people. Having also experienced homelessness firsthand, Alli says when the opportunity arose to work alongside D Minor on Concrete Pillow she jumped at the chance. www.dminorofficial.com | instagram.com/dminorofficial To support this project simply play/ download the amazing track Concrete Pillow To learn more about donations or other ways to help fight youth homelessness through the power of music visit: www.mmad.org.au
Following on from releasing his standout debut single ‘Pull Up, Hop Out’, Sydney-based hip hop artist, Merc Mason reveals his maiden EP ‘Lucid’ – produced by the rapper himself with collaborative efforts from Freaktaste and mixed / mastered by Sebastian Morales (Mookhi, Blondebears). ‘Lucid’ features five eclectic trap-infused cuts with intricate production, flawlessly delivered vocals and thought-provoking messaging. Taking cues from the likes of trap artists Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and A$AP Ferg, the enigmatic rapper blends an array of flows and cadences, combined with instrumentals inspired by late 2000’s southern rap. Click to stream 'Lucid' Merc discusses the creative process and motivation behind making the record: “There was a lot going on while I was making this EP. It was pretty much my escape from that shit. I was at a point in my own mind where I was sick of everything that was going on around me but I was also very reserved at the time. I felt like I didn't have anyone to talk to or that if I did I'd be judged so I pretty much used this EP as a vent”.
Since its release ‘Pull Up, Hop Out’ has been played on radio by triple j, FBi and 4ZZZ, and thirty-two international stations. The track has also received support from Sodwee.com (FRA), Gems and Secrets (USA), We The Beat (USA), The Music (AUS), AAA Backstage (AUS) and MTV (AUS). Growing up surrounded by Sydney’s underworld, drug dealing could have very easily been the career path of Merc but his feelings and ambitions changed when a close friend was jailed for three years. Throughout his songs he speaks about the highs and the lows of the world and his change of heart towards it.
To coincide with the release of ‘Lucid’, Merc Mason will launch the record live at Rare Finds Sydney club night party held at OAF Gallery Bar on Friday September 29.
Following on from releasing their standout tracks ‘Criminal’ and ‘750 mL To Paradise’, Byron Bay-based upstarts, Drop Legs, have recently unveiled the brand-new sun-soaked single, ‘Lizzy’. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 'LIZZY' Taking cues from the likes of The Roots, Blue King Brown and Koi Child, ‘Lizzy’ shines a light on the group’s ability to meld an array of eclectic influences by combining themes of reggae and hip-hop; yet remaining cohesive in their overall delivery and finish of a song. Forming less than eighteen months ago, the sextet has wasted no time in developing a strong work ethic towards touring; already traversing the East Coast four times and with a run of Indonesian shows presented by Sailor Jerry. Along their travels they’ve also managed to share the stage with the likes of Sticky Fingers, Ocean Alley, Opiuo, Boo Seeka and The Bennies.
“You can hear the ethos and influence of StiFi with Drop Legs but they've taken this sound and done their take on it very nicely. I can imagine this one getting a massive response live." Dave Ruby Howe – triple j (AUS)
“Drop Legs are (or are damn sure about to be) everyone's favourite coastal chill/hip hop/reggae sensation. They're smooth, clever and funky, and you need them in your playlist." Erica Mallett – FBi Radio (AUS)
‘Lizzy’ is available now via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all other good digital retailers
