Melbourne-based electronic soul and R'n"B artist Blasko unveils new mix-tape 'Blasko In Love Pt.1'

Melbourne-based electronic soul and R'n'B artist Blasko presents the ‘Blasko In Love Pt.1’ mix-tape via Majestic Casual Records.

In the lead up to the mix-tape release, Blasko dropped three much loved singles 'Another Love', 'Ms Love' and 'Know You Better', earning praise from the online community for his signature vocals and swagger, and suave production. His music has been described by Complex as "A summery, funk-tinged slice of soul and R&B", with the new mix-tape being no exception.

Highlights so far include airplay on BBC Radio 6, appearing on charts across the world, and prime positions on Spotify Viral Charts in France, Australia, Netherlands and Germany. As well as playing shows in Germany and France in June 2018 and in Australia and New Zealand in July alongside SG Lewis.

"This project started from a song on the mixtape, called "Future Love". I was chilling in the Lazy House studios playing on my cousins Mexican Fender that she had lent me and I started singing Future Love. I knew then, that not only did I have a mean tune but a whole story I could tell. I wanted to explore different areas of the word "Love". Opening my notepad I started writing song titles in which then I could dive straight into a specific concept based directly off the titles.



This mix-tape isn't about a specific person, but a collection of people who have influenced my perception of Love. Good or Bad. I had already written Future Love and Poetic Love at the time, but when I bumped into Tentendo at Montanasa Studios in Melbourne the rest of the project fell into place.  He knew exactly what each song needed and we just really clicked. Coming from a strict slow jams/R&B background but having an intense love for vocal trance melodies and grooves, I wanted the release to fuse these two things together and create the ambience and grooves of a trance song with the feelings and stories of classic 90's R&B tunes. Blasko In love Part 1 is just my beginning and there’s many more stories to tell xx" - Blasko

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Sydney electronic producer Mickey Kojak goes electronic eclectic on his new Surrender EP

Sydney electronic producer Mickey Kojak returns with a six track genre-bending record Surrender, featuring a bunch of tasty new tracks including his latest single Watch Me Drown.

Listen to the EP HERE

The Surrender EP opens with the ominous I'm Not The Right One (INTRO, for those watching closely), a track that welcomes us into his most lyrical release to date, with a gradually building synth arp swelling into the opening notes of his new single. Watch Me Drown see's Mickey bring the tempo and mood into previously unexplored territory. While the track powers along with synths and drums more reminiscent of his earlier house records, the vocal brings these two worlds together, depicting a desperate scene of internal struggles and a constant uphill battle, reaching it's climax in the final chorus in a huge wave of emotion and sound.

Alongside the powerful singles that Mickey has released, the EP is filled with hugely experimental pieces that tie his sophomore record together. Both All That's Left To Care and the EP's title track Surrender show us the full extent of what Mickey is capable of as an extremely talented multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer.

All in all, Mickey's Surrender EP traverses a great deal of ground in just over 20 minutes of music. While his sound has matured in leaps and bounds since his first record came out in 2016, the spirit behind all of Mickey's work remains the same and he intends to keep making his music even bolder, bigger and most importantly, weirder leading in to 2018. 

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Melbourne electronic chill trio, Fake Sibling, release their second single ‘Despondent’

Electronic chill trio, Fake Sibling, recently release their second single ‘Despondent’. The song is about the slow degradation of a relationship and the struggle to find a connection with your partner. 

Even though the lyrics came from a place of vulnerability, Sophie Officer’s captivating vocals, the dreamy guitar riffs and blissful transitions draw you in and leave you feeling soothed and peaceful.

Sophie reflects: “My favourite line is 'writing letters to you in my head' because that’s how you can express yourself when you’re hurt. But when you say it out loud, you realise how self-centred and ridiculous those thoughts and words are. Writing this song was an emotional release for me and helped me gain perspective.”

Melbourne-based Fake Sibling comprises Sophie Officer, Adam Beath and Dave Gillan. Fake Sibling’s first single, "Bring Me Here", reached number 1 on the triple j Unearthed charts in February 2017, and received glowing reviews and play on community radio stations across Australia. The trio plans to release their eagerly-awaited debut EP in early 2018. 

About Fake Sibling: 
Fake Sibling’s music can be described as ‘dream pop’ or ‘electronic chill’, with influences from the likes of Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac through to Bonobo and Portishead.

Effortlessly shot through with glimmers of guitar melodies, the bright light of Sophie Officer’s celestial vocals dance among precise production to earn Fake Sibling comparisons to The xx, Bonobo and London Grammar.

official website: https://www.fakesibling.com/




UPCOMING SHOWS
Bar Open (upstairs)
Supported by 'Benigar' & 'Connor Black-Harry
‘Fake Sibling’ will be taking to the stage again at Bar Open on Thursday, 5th April. Bringing their hypnotic and enveloping electronic sounds to life with a full band. They’ve been hard at work honing their sound and with a couple of new amazing tracks to showcase they are definitely going to impress. Joining them on the night will be the haunting and bluesy ‘Benigar’ and the incredibly talented guitarist and vocalist ‘Connor Black-Harry’.
Thursday 5th April - $5 at the door - Music starts at 9pm
317 Brunswick St Fitzroy, Vic 3065.


The Evelyn - Birthday Bash
Supported by 'Less Fox More Whale' & 'Atticus Street'
Arvo Session - Sunday, 29th April.
351 Brunswick St, Fitzroy VIC 3065.

Brisbane-based beat maker Machine Age releases enigmatic new single 'Fighting'...experimental electronica

Following the release of his stand-out single Don't Look, Brisbane-based beat-maker Machine Age (Adrian Mauro) has returned with new cut 'Fighting’ – drawn from his forthcoming EP (due March 2018).

A completely self-recorded effort, with additional mixing from Slumberjack and mastering by Andrei Eremin (Chet Faker, Hiatus Kaiyote), 'Fighting' is a fusion of eclectic musical genres and influences. Intricately layered instrumentation builds throughout the song, colliding with synth-laden soundscapes and pattering drumbeats, resulting in his own brand of experimental electronica. Meanwhile, a sense of desperation is encapsulated beautifully by raw, simmering vocals.

Mauro describes the inspiration behind ‘Fighting’ –

“Fighting - When you find yourself paralyzed by your own decisions and wake up asking "How did I get here". The only way to gain clarity is to be kinder to yourself and not repeat the mistakes of the past”.




2017 has seen Machine Age develop a reputation for delivering impressive compositions and incredible live shows, garnering strong support from the likes of triple j, Rolling Stone Australia, Purple Sneakers, Tone Deaf, FBi, 3RRR and the Hype Machine blogging community. The songsmith also recently supported critically acclaimed duo Holy Holy on their 'Paint' tour, alongside writing and recording with the likes of Kuren and Slumberjack.

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Sydney-based hip hop artist Merc Mason reveals his maiden EP ‘Lucid’

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.

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‘Lucid’ is available via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all good digital retailers 

Desert Moons unveil melancholy debut single ‘ROUGH TRADE’

NSW Central Coast-based indie-electronic duo, Desert Moons (Brothers Jake and Simon Dobson), have just revealed their self-produced debut single ‘Rough Trade’ - recorded at their home studio.

Combining beautifully crafted organic and electronic instrumentation, ‘Rough Trade’ is a stunning eclectic piece of experimental-electronica that melds themes of dark dream-pop, indie-rock and hip-hop; taking cues from the likes of their staple influences Radiohead, M83 and Daniel Johns.

Stream the track on Soundcloud HERE

Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jake Dobson describes the creative process behind ‘Rough Trade’ –

“This track was originally an idea of Simon’s conceived in our home studio. We sent it back and forth to each other over a period of a week, until it became what you hear today. We had a lot of fun with this song. We tend to always produce our favourite works when we’re evenly collaborating. The lyrical theme is an ode to my past struggles with motivation. Writing songs has always been an incredibly therapeutic process and this was certainly no different; ultimately serving as a catharsis.”

Both Jake and Simon have been playing and performing music since an early age. They’ve worked as session musicians in the studio and live, as well as releasing music and touring the world with their bands. Desert Moons is the first project the brothers have collaborated on as a duo and was formed with the intention of exploring song crafting boundaries. They’ve written and recorded over thirty songs, which they plan to roll out over the coming months.

To celebrate the release of their debut track, the group have also announced their maiden performance to take place at Rare Finds #33 held at Oxford Art Factory’s Gallery Bar, Sydney on Friday September 29.

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Indie-Electronic duo Nocturnal Tapes new single single ‘Wake Up’

After announcing the release date for their debut EP ‘Visions IV’ (due August 25), Yamba-based indie-electronic group Nocturnal Tapes offer up another taste of the forthcoming record with new single ‘Wake Up’ – recorded and produced by the duo themselves at their home studio and mixed by Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths, Cosmos Midnight, Kučka).

New cut ‘Wake Up’ is an intricate slice of house-infused electronica, taking cues from the likes of LCD Soundsystem, Talking Heads and Kaytranada. Awash with sonic textures, the dream-laden track glides along effortlessly blending organic and electronic instrumentation, and finished off with the soaring and endearing vocals of front man, Harry Suttor.  

Suttor describes the story behind ‘Wake Up’:

“Without getting too dark, the song is about how everything in your life is leading up to the ultimate moment of death; time is a way we all die. So, why are so many of us wasting our lives locked to screens and living in routine?”.


Since their 2016 inception, Nocturnal Tapes have released a slew of tracks strongly embraced by the likes of triple j, Spotify, MTV, ABC’s Rage, community radio and worldwide blogs; which resulted in a top twenty position on the esteemed Hype Machine Now charts.

They’ve traversed the country multiple times sharing stages with Boo Seeka, Bootleg Rascal and Tash Sultana, and performed at boutique festivals Mountain Sounds, Sweaty Palms, House of Voodoo and UTS Summerfest and Winterfest.

Nocturnal Tapes were recently announced as the national support for Luke Million’s national tour in September, which includes shows in Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.

"'Wake Up' marks a welcome return".
Indie Shuffle (USA)

"Be warned – you may find yourself publicly breaking into dance".
The Wild Honey Pie (USA)

‘Wake Up’ is now available to stream via Soundcloud

NOCTURNAL TAPES
UPCOMING TOUR DATES

FRI 1 SEP | FAT CONTROLLER, ADELAIDE SA *
SAT 2 SEP | BLACK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD *
FRI 8 SEP | JACK RABBIT SLIMS, PERTH WA *
THU 14 SEP | LISMORE UNI BAR, LISMORE NSW
FRI 15 SEP | OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY NSW *
SAT 16 SEP | HOWLER, MELBOURNE VIC *

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Sydney experimental-electronic duo Blondebears debut single "Dissolve"

Sydney experimental-electronic duo Blondebears are Jake Stiles and Sebastian Morales. On their debut, the two songwriters deliver the mesmerising track titled ‘Dissolve’ – produced and recorded by the group themselves at their Sydney-based studios.

Opening with warped synths, soothing falsetto and hypnotic beats, ‘Dissolve’ soars into a gradual crescendo; unapologetically melding its array of hauntingly beautiful and cracked sonic textures. As the layers ascend and overlap seamlessly, the dream-laden journey eventually enters a state of climax and resolves fading out distantly; leaving behind an air of melancholy.

Stream 'Dissolve'

The moody cut also carries a deeper and underlying hypothesis further explained by Stiles –

“'Dissolve" is about empathy for other human beings and living in another person’s body for a day. What should you do with someone else's life? The character abuses their new body/lifestyle and disagrees with how others lead their lives but eventually empathises with other humans after living as them and feeling new emotions and experiences. I feel it is paramount to accept people from different circumstances or life experiences. With imagining how they live their day to day lives we can better understand others from another perspective.”

Stiles and Morales first met through an unsuccessful attempt to sneak into a music festival underage. Sharing a common love for music the boys experimented with different instruments and sounds until finding what would be known as Blondebears. The two plan to continually release new songs over the year and launch their live show nationally.

‘Dissolve’ is available via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all good digital retailer’s 

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Billy Fox returns with soul-infused electronic cut 'Shapes'

Fast gaining a reputation for consistently delivering standout tracks is Sydney-based indie-electronic producer, Billy Fox, who has just unveiled brand new single ‘Shapes’ – recorded, mixed and co- produced by Chris Collins (Tigertown, Middle Kids, Gang of Youths) and mastered by Steve Smart (Flume, Empire of the Sun) at 301 studios Sydney.

Whilst not swaying from the unique sound he has honed and developed over time, ‘Shapes’ showcases a significant progression in Fox’s songwriting and production. Glimmering with walls of beautifully arranged synths and harmony-laden vocal melodies;; the hauntingly mesmerising new offering finds balance within its well thought out structure and shifting dynamics.

Stream on SOUNDCLOUD

The endearing musician describes the creative process behind ‘Shapes’ -

“Shapes is about our relationships as humans, and what we need to change in ourselves before we expect someone else to change. Co-producing this track with Chris Collins was seamless - he is such a genuine soul. The sessions were garnished with mixed-berry iced teas care of Charlie, Chris' wife and co-artist in Tigertown. This perfectly symbolised the theme of 'Shapes'-how we can be good people before we expect this of others.”

Most recent single ‘Avalanche’ was strongly supported by local and worldwide media, including radio stations triple j, FBi, 4ZZZ, SYN and Edge FM, streaming giants Spotify via their curated playlists, spins on MTV and reviews from a slew of tastemaker blogs – which resulted in a top ten charting position via Hype Machine’s esteemed ‘Now’ charts.

To celebrate the release of ‘Shapes’, Fox will play a hometown Sydney launch show at OAF Gallery, co- headlining with Brisbane songstress, San Mei.

In the coming weeks, an accompanying music video will be unveiled alongside an East Coast tour.

‘Shapes’ is available worldwide via Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes and all other good digital retailers 

BILLY FOX 
‘SHAPES’ LAUNCH SHOW

SAT 13 MAY | OAF GALLERY, SYDNEY NSW w/ San Mei

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Sydney musician and producer Mickey Kojak releases new single "Bones"

Mickey Kojak returns with his new single and b-side respectively titled 'Bones' and 'Together'.  The release is an uncompromising sleazy, low-slung club odyssey, styled with the tight rhythms and eclectic synths that have come to define the Kojak sound.

Listen to BONES and TOGETHER here

The release is the follow up to his debut 'Alone' EP released earlier this year, and featured the single 'Feel My Pain' which received high airplay rotation across Triple J and Australian FM radio. The record catapulted the young musician from bedroom producer to the main stage. Nationally touring alongside heavy hitters A-Track, What So Not and Hayden James, as well as outdoor festival slots at Splendour in the Grass and Groovin' the Moo, and racking up close to a million online streams on his ‘Alone' EP as well as a rinsing from Triple J.

'Bones' & 'Together' also mark a turning point in his work, having established himself as front man to his side-project The Tapes, Mickey brings his newly found skill set back to the mic on this release and we literally feel it in our bones on this A-side. Flip the record over and set your living room to strobe, ‘Together’ is a 7 minute rave, taking you on a historic journey through electronic music’s past and future.

See previous post about The Tapes on this blog HERE

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Singer-Songwriter Thaylia new single release Wanna Know from forthcoming EP

Ex- Mormon, lesbian, vegan and a lifelong struggle with addictions, Thaylia has had quite the journey in life. After a few detours and wrong turns this singer-songwriter-producer finally finds herself on the right path she was always meant to be on, a new journey of rediscovering who she is spiritually without the constraints of religion and she has a new song to sing about it!

Thaylia is of Greek/Aboriginal heritage and at 23 she discovered her passion for music and picked up an instrument for the very first time. However her true journey in music would begin 10 years later when she got sober, quit her high paying corporate job, sold her house and car and moved to Sydney to pursue her musical passions full time. 

Now after years of perserverance she is finally ready to release her new song that she wrote, composed and produced called Wanna Know which is the first release from her self titled debut EP due out later this year.

The song is a catchy electronic pop fusion delight of a variety of musical influences that Thaylia grew up listening to such as R'n'B, Hip Hop, House, Trance and Folk. It not only highlights Thaylia's craftmanship in songwriting but also her maturing skills in sound manipulation and production. The lyrics were excerpts taken from Thaylia's personal journal about her deepest feelings about herself and the truth of the universe.

The single will be available on the 01 July 2016 from all online media outlets and you can have a listen on Soundcloud. If you dig the song then head to Thaylia's Official Website and subscribe for the latest news and updates on upcoming shows, music and videos!

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Sydney duo The Tapes' debut single "AT ALL" recently released

Introducing: THE TAPES...
.....A collaboration between Sydney musicians Andrew Grant and Mickey Kojak. 

Having cut their teeth in the dance music scene, this new project is a departure from the glitchy, electronic sounds we are used to hearing from these two. 

The world of The Tapes comes to you through your top-down convertible’s FM radio. Cruising along a pristine coastline on a sun-drenched afternoon, Diet Pepsi in hand, they’re there to take you wherever it is you're going. Lo-fi guitars, retro synths and crunchy drums combined with their technological know-how and unique songwriting all come together as one glorious, wholly holy sound. 

Like a tailor-made suit, The Tapes just feel right. 

It is also incredibly exciting to announce their first single AT ALL. Which premiered on "La Belle Musique" recently, quickly clocking 20,000 plays. This first track is but a tasty morsel of the feast that is to come. The boys have a five-track debut EP burning a hole in their back pocket as well as an immense four-piece live show that will be unveiled at some of the year’s latter showcases. The Tapes are here to embrace the weird and wonderful in all kinds of new ways; get tuned in.

Listen to "AT ALL" on soundcloud here.

Download it for free via TripleJUnearthed here.

                                            

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"A soothing and melodic track that blends two extremely skilled producers to create a blissful musical mid-point." - StoneyRoads.com

"Well worth the hype." - TheInterns.net


"Serene, spacey... we foresee some great material from the pair" - HillyDilly.com

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Contemporary Folk Artist Thaylia releases new Alukura Single "Need 4 Greed"

ALUKURA (PROUNOUNCED A-LOOK-RA) MEANS 'WOMEN' IN THE ARRERNTE LANGUAGE OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

In 2015 Australia's renowned Aboriginal record label, CAAMA MUSIC, ran a nationwide competition to uncover a new crop of Aboriginal female talent. 
Eight winners from around Australia were flown to Alice Springs to record in CAAMA MUSIC's state of the art studio, which has launched many of Australia's most enduring Aboriginal acts.

The latest single from the compilation album is from emerging contemporary folk artist Thaylia. Originating from the red dusty plains of remote outback Australia, contemporary folk singer songwriter Thaylia was born in Darwin and then raised in a small outback town of Kununurra  in the far north Kimberleys of Western Australia. 

The single Need 4 Greed is a fusion of traditional Aboriginal music, electronic and folk and explores the world of corporatism and consumerism. The song was produced by Thaylia and the Stiff Gins and features a masterful and epic choir piece of the beautifully harmonised voices of the Stiff Gins and Alukura women from the album. Accompanying the single is a music video that was shot in the busy streets of Martin Place in Sydney  and the beautiful landscapes of the new Barangaroo Reserve.

Stream the new single >>>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD - CLICK HERE

Thaylia's revamped website www.thayliamusic.com

Available for download on iTunes HERE

See previous posts on Thaylia:
Dec'15
May'15


                                         



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Emerging Female Indigenous EDM Prouducer Releases First Single "Love" (Soulella Remix)

SOULELLA RELEASES DEBUT TRACK - LOVE (SOULELLA REMIX)

Australian Aboriginal culture has brought the world music through some iconic and legendary musicians from a variety of different genres such as country, reggae, rock, hip hop, indie, folk, soul and much more. However, it is very rare if not unheard of to find an Indigenous artist who is female and has a passion for writing, composing, performing and producing EDM in particular TRANCE. . . except for Soulella, she does it all!

Soulella (pronounced Soh-ella) is one of the very few of Australia's first emerging female Indigenous Electronic Dance Music (EDM) composer & producer of trance music. Hailing from Kununurra, a small country town in the Kimberley's far north of Western Australia, she has only been producing EDM for a little under a year since her move to the big smoke of Sydney. She found her passion for producing EDM since beginning her Bachelor of Music with a major in Composition and Music Production at the Australian Institute of Music.

Otherwise known as Thaylia (Contemporary Folk Singer/Songwriter) she is also a vocalist and acoustic guitar guitar player but more recently has found her LOVE for producing electronic dance music and now she is ready to introduce herself along with her first track called Love (Soulella Remix). The track is a remix of an original folk song she wrote and released in 2014 called Love and was written, produced and mixed by Soulella.

Available now for free download (or by donation) via www.soulella.bandcamp.com 

Love (Soulella Remix) - Official Video

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