Sunshine-Coast Indie-Pop quartet Selahphonics' new single 'Had Our Heaven'

Carving out a reputation as one of Australia’s hardest working independent indie-pop bands, Sunshine Coast-based Selahphonic recently unveiled their new single ‘Had Our Heaven’ – The lead track lifted from their forthcoming and debut EP ‘Therapy’ - Recorded at Cooper Lane Studio, Sydney by Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Tigertown, Middle Kids).

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO 'HAD OUR HEAVEN'

Keeping in line with their signature anthemic stadium pop sound, ‘Had Our Heaven’ glimmers with synth-laden hooks, infectious lead-guitar licks and is backed by a simple, yet sturdy and bouncing rhythm section; all combining to complement the catchy sing-a-long melodies of endearing front man, Jamie Coyle. 

Since their inception in 2011, Selahphonic have released a slew of standout singles widely embraced by various media platforms, including tastemaker blogs Crack in The Road (USA), Acid Stag (AUS), Pilerats (AUS), stellar reviews and rotation via triple j Unearthed and other key support from the likes of MTV, Tone Deaf and The Music.  

In 2016, the group maintained a consistent touring schedule, including a performance at Australia’s largest music industry conference, BIGSOUND, where they caught the attention of one of the countries most esteemed booking agencies, The Harbour Agency, who signed the quartet immediately.

As well as constantly traversing through local live music venues, Selahphonic have put together DIY backyard show tours and performed globally, which includes appearances at showcases and festivals Culture Collide, CMJ and Canadian Music Week.

“A solid attempt right here at the stadium pop sound of The Wombats and Two Door Cinema Club."

Dom Alessio – triple j (AUS)

“Selahphonic have captivated listeners’ attention with their own unique and energetic power-pop vibes."
Happy (AUS)

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Who is ~yesqueen~? New-Folk, poet, musician, human right's campaigner

New-Folk, poet, musician, human right's campaigner, ~ y e s q u e e n ~ was born Hook Richard on June 7, 1995, in Hastings, Victoria, Australia. While attending college, he began performing popular folk songs, and took to touring Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom shortly after graduating. ~ y e s q u e e n ~ has released a new album 'HOOK RICHARD'  via Recorder Records.

'HOOK RICHARD' is an innovative, outlook on the new digital age we are in. ~ y e s q u e e n ~ ask's you the question, do you believe 'Digital Vinyl' is the way of the future? 

Inside the new album 'HOOK RICHARD', ~ y e s q u e e n ~ will question political subject, the media role and bring forth a fresh new approach, asking the listener, do we deserve answers to the state of leadership in our time right now? What does freedom and opinion look like to you and where does music become a leader?

Early Life: born to parents Karen and Glenn Taylor; he and his younger brother Blair were raised in the community of Geelong where he graduated from St Josephs College to begin touring . Driven by the influences of pop music; Bob Dylan, Damien Rice and Passenger, he began busking in Flinders Street Station, Melbourne. He became a regular on the Australian, New Zealand and UK touring circuit, supporting established Australian acts; Hunters and Collectors, James Reyne, Josh Pyke, Carus Thompson and Jordie Lane. ~ y e s q u e e n ~ has released 5 albums and was signed to Australian record label 'Recorder Records' in March 2017.

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www.recorderrecordsofficial.bandcamp.com

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Byron Bay-based reggae / hip-hop group, Drop Legs, new single release 'Lizzy'

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. 

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“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

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Q&A session with Indie-Rock quartet WHARVES

Lennox Head-based indie-rock quartet, WHARVES, recently released their brand new single titled ‘Man You Want Me To Be’ – recorded and produced by Steven Schram (San Cisco, Tiny Little Houses) at Studio Circuit, Gold Coast QLD. (see previous post on this blog: http://theaussiemusicblog.blogspot.com.au/2017/03/indie-rock-quartet-wharves-new-single.html).

I caught up with band member Mike and fired a few hard-hitting questions at him:

Who or what inspired you to form Wharves and how did it all come together?

We met in Lismore through Southern Cross Uni. Matt, Scott and I had just formed the project when Fraser came along to take it to its final form. 

Any influences to speak of?

Big ones for me are Radiohead, Beck and Battles. As a band we particularly enjoy the sounds of Foals, City Calm Down, The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age.

Where does the name come from and does it have a meaning behind it?

We did a photo-shoot before we had a name which was of us coming out of the water (you can stalk our FB page and find it) and it had a nautical feel to it.  The photographer's (David Andreas) girlfriend typed "WHARVES" in a group-chat when talking about the photo-shoot and Matt liked how it looked and pitched to us and we agreed that it was fitting. A fun fact; we were named Peach Cat for about a week before changing.

Who does the songwriting and is it a collective effort?

It’s definitely a collective effort. We have a few ways of working which is great. Sometimes Matt has an acoustic demo, some just happen in a jam and others come from making demos in Ableton. We’ve got a stack of demos that we are constantly adding to and referring back to.

Do you consider yourselves a strictly Australian group or want to be known internationally?

We would love to be known internationally, playing festivals and gigs overseas would be an absolute dream come true. 

How important are outlets like triple j unearthed to help promote local artists?

They are absolutely essential. Triple J Unearthed do such an amazing job of getting bands in there infancy out to the world. (see https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/wharves)

Are you happy with your sound or do wish to develop it further? If so, what would you add or improve on?

I’m totally up for developing it in the future. I take a lot of inspiration from Radiohead and Arctic Monkeys have progressed, each album sounds so different but they still have their original characteristics there. We’ve started adding some new gear, Scott just got a new awesome Synth, and I’ve been experimenting using Ableton as a guitar pedal.

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Thank you to Jasmine Higgins at RARE FINDS

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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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SA blues trio Lazy Eye new release "Pocket The Black"..soul drenched blues

Soul drenched blues. Think B.B. King sharing a scotch with Booker T at the crossroads after midnight. 

Lazy Eye kicked off 2016 off with a whirlwind trip across the South Pacific to the land where the Blues began. Upon reaching the quarter finals, the Hammond Organ Trio became the inaugural band to represent South Australia at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Following the competition, the band played one show only at the legendary B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street, a highlight of the trip, before heading home thoroughly grounded in the blues.

Having clocked up a multitude of miles in their tour van, the 2015 Group Of The Year (Australian Blues Music Awards) has not only developed a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in their home country but has also picked up a swag of accolades along the way including Best Blues Album for their debut release Move Me (2013 SA Blues & Roots), Best Blues Artist (2014 South Australian Music Awards) and nominations for Song Of The Year (Hole In My Pocket, 2015 Australian Blues Music Awards) and Most Popular Blues/Roots Artist (2016 South Australian Music Awards). 

On release, their brand new offering Pocket The Black has been judged the 2016 Blues Album Of The Year (Adelaide Roots & Blues Association) and has been nominated for Album Of The Year at the 2017 Australian Blues Music Awards.

Marty's review: Pocket the Black is Lazy Eye in a live studio setting that captures the true essence of their rootsy blues with soul and delivers it in a straight forward and down to earth way. Keeping the production to as close to their live show as they can, with minimal overdubs and being able to do extra takes, the album is a collection of all original soul-blues numbers with punch and vigor that showcases the professional talents of each member. 

Stream and download the album HERE:

https://lazyeyeblues.bandcamp.com/album/pocket-the-black

Official website: https://www.lazyeyeband.com/

                            

“Pocket the black is an album firmly planted in the past, present and future of the blues, a brilliant
collusion of old and new” Made In The Shade

“It’s easy to see why Lazy Eye have been getting the plaudits they easily deserve. It’s the blues done well with soul and passion.” Music SA 

“Whetter’s vocals are gritty with a velvety smack of soul” Sydney Morning Herald 

“It’s a pleasure to see a weather-beaten Hammond fronting a band and even more so when it’s wielded with style. Such is the case with Adelaide blues outfit Lazy Eye” The Australian 

“The universal recognition is testament to the hard work and drive the three piece have applied since their formation just three years ago. Their throwback blend of electric blues and old school rock ‘n’ roll has earnt them festival spots all over the country”  Rip It Up

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Dappled Cities Announce Album Launch As Part Of Vivid Sydney 2017

After returning with their critically praised new single ‘Stone Men’ and announcing their fifth studio album ‘Five’ (stylised as |||||), Sydney’s statesmen of indie-rock, Dappled Cities, have just revealed news that their Sydney album launch will be taking place at City Recital Hall on Sunday June 4, as part of Vivid Sydney’s official program.

CLICK TO VIEW 'STONE MEN' VIDEO

Combining their trademark layered soundscape with an immersive lighting spectacle, the event also titled ||||| will see the band re-imagining music from their highly acclaimed career and showcasing material from their stunning new record.

In collaboration with Sydney-based Studio Days and featuring works from Californian artist Paul Juno, the one-off concert event will feature imagery taken from the band’s rich visual history, accompanying the characteristic ethereal melodies and textures that have made Dappled Cities one of the most beloved indie bands to emerge from Sydney over the past two decades.

‘Stone Men’ has quickly climbed into the Top 20 Hype Machine Now charts and picked up early airplay from both triple j and double j. The accompanying video has also been well received garnering support via MTV and ABC’s Rage.

In the coming weeks, Dappled Cities will unveil some very special guests who will join them for all three East Coast capital shows, including the City Recital Hall event, Howler in Melbourne on Saturday May 6 and The Foundry in Brisbane on Friday May 12.

Vivid Sydney is the world’s largest festival of light, music and ideas. Now in its ninth year, the event is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.

www.vividsydney.com/music

‘Five’ is out through Chugg Music / MGM on May 5 2017

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DAPPLED CITIES
||||| ALBUM TOUR
Tickets on-sale now at www.dappledcities.com

SAT 6 MAY | HOWLER, MELBOURNE, VIC
With Special Guests

FRI 12 MAY | THE FOUNDRY, BRISBANE, QLD
With Special Guests

SUN 4 JUNE | CITY RECITAL HALL, SYDNEY, NSW
With Special Guests

“’Stone Men’ is a fantastic return from the Sydney act whose new album has quickly sprung to the top of my most anticipated releases of the year.”
Indie Shuffle (USA)

“Dappled Cities’ always-adventurous modus operandi, even after over a decade, remains excitedly enthralling, regardless of terrain.”
Rolling Stone Australia

Solomon O - Hypnotic Debut Single "Holograms" with amazing video

Since picking up a guitar at an early-age, Brisbane-based musician, Solomon O has formed a deep and insatiable love for writing and performing music. Fast track to the present and that endearment remains undeniably strong as he launches his new stunning debut track ‘Holograms’.

CLICK TO LISTEN TO 'HOLOGRAMS'

‘Holograms’ was a complete DIY recording effort by Solomon O and friend / session drummer, Brandon Gillies, and tracked between his Brisbane home studio and on the NSW Central Coast at The Grove. The mesmerizing indie-pop cut glides along effortlessly, driven by its luscious and full sounding rhythm section, beautifully composed synths and capped off by Solomon O’s dream-laden and soothing croons.    

Growing up, Solomon O learned classical guitar and piano and later found himself joining a gospel band, which taught the musician the fundamental elements of arranging and composing songs. After a brush with a drug-fueled party lifestyle, the song-smith did a complete 180 turn by undertaking and completing a psychology degree.

Following on from university, Solomon O decided to pack up his life and move to London. After what he describes an ‘early-life crisis’, he moved back to Australia, choosing Sydney as his new home where he started working on ‘Holograms’ and a collection of other songs he plans on releasing soon.

These days the enigmatic creative finds himself back in his hometown of Brisbane and slightly more settled; indulging in spending most of his pay check on new instruments and recording equipment.

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“An inviting and intelligent inaugural effort, layered with atmospheric instrumentation, danceable beats and hushed, honeyed vocals aplenty. If this is what he's capable of off the bat, we're pretty excited to see what he offers up in future releases.”
The Music (AUS)

“An uplifting mid-tempo electro-pop ballad with a driving dancefloor beat and dizzying array of synth effects.”
Music Feeds (AUS)

“Yeah there's something in here, for sure. It's got a steadily beating pop heart.”
Dave Ruby Howe – triple j (AUS)

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BAD FRENCH - NEW SINGLE ‘ALL YOUR DAYS ARE HERE WHERE YOU ARE NOW’

Following on from releasing their standout singles ‘Finley’s Downfall’, ‘Erroll’s Forest’ and ‘Within You’, Central Coast-based dance-pop duo, Bad French, have just returned by revealing their brand-new cut ‘All Your Days Are Here Where You Are Now’.

Stream the track on SOUNDCLOUD Here

Recorded and produced by the band themselves between their Sydney and Central Coast home studios, ‘All Your Days Are Here Where You Are Now’ is another intriguing slice of 80’s inspired electro-pop glimmering with moments of psychedelia and reminiscent to some of the group’s staple influences Tame Impala, AIR and Icehouse.

Song-writer / multi-instrumentalist, M. Carney describes the creative and recording process for ‘All Your Days Are Here Where You Are Now’:-

“Dan kicked off the musical idea one lazy afternoon in his studio at MacMasters Beach on an acoustic guitar with a chilled-out drum beat. I "Bad Frenchified" it with some stabby synths and found a drony pulsing bass sound to sit underneath. The chorus was at first an offbeat melodic idea, but Dan matched his words to it, and it became quite an unusual musical mantra that has grown on us over time. We then decided go to Jupiter and back with the instrumental!”

Their previous singles have received support from local online press, community radio and triple j Unearthed. The group have also performed shows supporting the likes of I Know Leopard, Polish Club, Boo Seeka and have even held their own gigs on front man Daniel Forsyth’s front lawn.

Over the coming months the band will continue to work on new material and perform around Sydney and the NSW Central Coast.

‘All Your Days Are Here Where You Are Now’ is now available to stream via Soundcloud and available via Spotify, Apple Music and all other good digital retailers.

Official website: http://badfrench.com.au/

Download links and future content on blog

I recently received a request to remove some download links from this blog for copyright reasons. I wish to respect the artists and their music and have removed these accordingly and will be removing and replacing others in the weeks to come. For future posts I will include links where the music is either available for streaming or for purchase via download and other media.

Going forward on the blog I wish to feature more contemporary Australian artists as I believe there is plenty of great talent out there that need to be promoted for all the hard work they put in.

Thanks for your understanding and supporting the blog by visiting here regularly...Marty

Award Winning Singer/Songwriter SNEZ Upcoming Tour of VIC and NSW

Regal Records is pleased to announce the release of "House on Four Wheels," the highly anticipated third album by multi award winning singer/songwriter, Snez.

This enchanting songstress has a forte for describing the experiences of everyday life in a way that resonates with her audience. Coming from a Macedonian working-class family, where stories about hardship, romance, black magic, mysticism and work ethic have been passed down through generations, Snez subtly weaves these influences into her own stories and songs, and in the process creating a powerful, personal and intimate performance on stage and in the studio.

Snez has been touring Australia wide for the last 8 years, sharing the stage with artists including Renee Geyer, Jenny Morris, Gangajang, Mahalia Barnes. A multi-award winning artist, including a finalist in the top 10 of the Australia Songwriting Awards. Her single ‘Green’ appeared in the Triple J top 10 pop charts for a number of weeks. 

In 2009, SNEZ released her debut album ‘Gypsy Soul’, and there began her journey as a travelling storyteller. Based in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, with guitar in hand, SNEZ spent the next 7 years roaming remote and regional Australia, finding a willing audience around campfires, at cattle stations, on the side of highways and along pavements, at nursing homes, refugee camps, cafes, pubs, living rooms and indigenous communities; squeezing her world into a campervan, her ‘House on Four Wheels’, for months at a time.

“I started writing ‘House on Four Wheels’ whilst on tour in the remote areas of the Northern Territory. The red dirt, the interesting characters and open roads are so inspiring and allow space for writing songs,” Snez comments. SNEZ delivers pop/folk music with an equal slice of depth and quirkiness. Her lyrics are inventive and fresh.

Recorded in the beautiful Blue Mountains, ‘House on Four Wheels’ is chock full of rootsy riffs and superb lyrics; makes you want to get out on the road yourself! Snez commences her Australian Solo Tour April 2017.

TOUR DATES
April
Thurs 6 April – Open House Concert, Sydney NSW
Fri 7 April – Open House Concert, Cambewarra NSW

Sat 8 April – Yately House, Braidwood NSW

Sun 9 April – YassArts @ Oddfellows Hall, Yass NSW

Fri 14 April – Avoca Art and Gardens, Avoca Railway Station, VIC

Sat 15 April – Open Studio, Northcote VIC

Mon 17 April – Paynesville Wine Bar, Paynesville VIC

Thurs 20 April – Writers Block @ Lomonds, Brunswick East VIC

Sat 22 April – Red Tent Womens Gathering, Braidwood NSW

Sun 23 April – Open House Concert, Nowra NSW

Sun 30 April – Little Blowhole Art Bar, Kiama NSW

Fri 5 May – Marrickville Ritz Hotel, Marrickville NSW 

Visit www.snez.com.au for all tour dates.

Indie Rock quartet WHARVES new single release "Man You Want Me To Be"

Lennox Head-based indie-rock quartet, WHARVES, have just revealed an East Coast tour and their brand new single titled ‘Man You Want Me To Be’ – recorded and produced by Steven Schram (San Cisco, Tiny Little Houses) at Studio Circuit, Gold Coast QLD.

The hauntingly enchanting new cut ‘Man You Want Me To Be’ is reminiscent to some of the group’s staple influences Foals, The Strokes and City Calm Down, featuring driving disco-esque beats, thumping fuzz-laden bass and classic Brit-pop guitar tones, all capped off by the brooding and infectious vocal melodies of front man, Matthew Collins.

Likened to that of a Shakespeare classic, the track is inspired by the tale of a tragic and forbidden love. Collins further expands on the meaning and describes the creative process behind the writing and recording:

“I wanted to indulge the male ego in how it can be so destructive and jealous, in some way trying to understand it. We captured the jagged and dark sounds/feelings in the studio but also kept it within a neat pop structure.”

Stream the track on Soundcloud HERE

Since their 2015 inception, the band have continually released critically adored songs, with strong support from the likes of triple j Unearthed, community radio and worldwide taste-maker blogs. In the live arena, WHARVES have performed at the 2016 Byron Bay leg of Falls Festival and supported some of the countries most loved indie acts including Polish Club, Morning Harvey and The Delta Riggs.

To coincide with the release of ‘Man You Want Me To Be’, the upstarts will traverse the East Coast on an eight-date tour, with performances scheduled in Lismore, Melbourne, Byron Bay, Yamba, Wollongong, Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.

WHARVES
‘MAN YOU WANT ME TO BE TOUR’

THU 30 MAR | THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY NSW
SAT 1 APR | CAFÉ LECHE, YAMBA NSW
WED 5 APR | RAD BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW
FRI 7 APR | THE PHOENIX, CANBERRA ACT
SAT 8 APR | BRIGHTON UP BAR, SYDNEY NSW
THU 13 APR | RARE FINDS @ BLACK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD
SUN 30 APR | SHARK BAR, GOLD COAST QLD
w/ Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever

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Visit my other blogs and pages here:

Blues Jam Session Blog

The Aussie Music Blog

The Blues and Roots Music Blog

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This Jukebox Rocks

Soundtrack Heaven

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