A magnetic meeting point of shimmering soul and beauty, the new single Until You Call My Name out now from Radical Son is a striking ode to gratitude and the power of love. A goosebump-inducing moment in time from the revered Kamilaroi artist with Tongan heritage, Radical Son will bring his new track as well as his forthcoming album Biliyambil (The Learning) to vivid life at the Sydney Opera House supporting Emma Donovan on October 20, as well as 2024’s National Folk Festival.
Produced by Andrew Robinson, Until You Call My Name is a proud, calm, yet stirring outing from Radical Son, aka David Leha, inspired by its producer Robinson as well as Marcus Longfoot and Darkinjung local Phil Bligh. With humid percussion, bright piano and the emphatic, immersive vocals of Radical Son himself, Until You Call My Name flourishes in its beautifully-crafted simplicity, beating at its core with the magic sparked between Radical Son’s work with Robinson and Longfoot at Full Circle Audio in Redfern, alongside Wantok Music. And for Radical Son, Until You Call My Name holds a special place in his heart, as he explains, “Proud of this piece. Of all the works that I have created, it’s one of my favourites.”
Another taste of Radical Son’s highly anticipated sophomore album Biliyambil (The Learning) which is set for release in early 2024, Until You Call My Name is a poignant yet powerful ode to finding happiness in moments of chaos, with Radical Son’s commanding vocals soaring above an ambient glow, declaring “I hear you call my name / Wanting to engage / We’re all finding our way / We’re coping with the struggle”. And in a world consistently divided and full of unrest, Until You Call My Name offers a calming balm as well as a timely reminder to look for what matters most in the darkness, as Radical Son shares, “For those divided and lost, pulled or drawn in many directions both externally and internally. I’m mindful that we are all finding our way and that as hard as it may sometimes be just getting by in life, it is my hope that we find a way to live life, to love.”
One of the mightiest and most compelling artists in the Australian cultural scene, Radical Son channels his experiences from his challenging past into immense power and resolve, with his trademark sound burgeoning with the urgency of hip hop and emotionally-charged soul, as witnessed by these new songs, and his first full length album 2014’s Cause N’Affect. A festival favourite, cemented recently by his show-stopping cover of his mentor Uncle Archie Roach’s Walking Into Doors, Radical Son has performed to standing ovations at Bluesfest, St Kilda Festival, VIVID, the AFL Dreamtime 2032 game, and the official Uncle Archie Roach memorial in Melbourne in 2022.
A highly-skilled concert artist, with performance with classical ensembles and high-profile collaborations under his belt with David Bridie, Emma Donovan, Frank Yamma, Lady Lash, Mau Power and Deline Briscoe, Radical Son’s artistry also expands to film and TV, with credits including Defining Moments, a six-part NITV documentary exploring life-defining experiences, and theatre work, including the lead role of Pemulwuy in I am Eora at the 2012 Sydney Festival.
Studying as a musician at The Eora Centre for Visual and Performing Arts in Redfern, as well completing a Bachelor of Music from Newcastle Conservatorium, Radical Son’s creative prowess is only matched by his otherworldly stage presence that equally transfixes and transcends with authenticity and sheer, compelling power. Cultivating his transformational life into his place as a bright fixture on Australia’s cultural landscape, Radical Son’s moving soul vocals and unique flair only strengthen with time, potently witnessed today via Until You Call My Name. And with an appearance on the horizon over the Easter weekend in 2024 at the National Folk Festival, a hub for the Australian folk community, as ever, magic is guaranteed when Radical Son takes the stage.
FRI 20 OCT | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE WITH EMMA DONOVAN, SYDNEY, NSW
As the Aussie Summer prepares to deliver the heat, BWS is preparing to bring the cool with the highly anticipated return of BWS Cool Room music series. And the best bit? Fans can apply to be part of these very special gigs for FREE by entering the ballot.
The chilled-down-not-out live music events will pop-up in Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne and feature a stellar line-up of Australian and International talent inside a custom built BWS Cool Room (yes, they’re really fridges) across the eastern seaboard.
Among this year’s line-up of hot artists, global hip-hop superstar, Armani White will touch down in Australia for the very first time in Victoria, with surf-rock legends Lime Cordiale and electronic sensation Memphis LK leading the charge for Sydney and Newcastle.
The BWS Cool Room is a multi-sensory live music experience – a giant, purpose-built stage-come-fridge that invites fans to step through its fridge doors and into a gig like nothing else. We know the world has been wondering what a music gig would feel like if it were in a larger-than-life fridge, and now fans can feel it for themselves. Once again, the artists are turning up the heat and this year BWS are turning up the surprises.
Headlining the Victorian BWS Cool Room stage is Billion-streaming U.S Rapper and social media music sensation, Armani White who catapulted to stardom with his viral hit record, ‘Billie Eilish’ which reached over 15M Spotify streams alone. This will be his first ever performance in Australia.
The US star says he’s ecstatic to get the call up for the exclusive BWS event.
“When I got the call to perform inside a huge BWS inflatable cool room, I just had to say YES! The creativity and the concept for something like this is extremely impressive and it is what I am about musically. As an artist I am all about pushing the boundaries but still making sure my music is for all of those who appreciate it.
“I have never been to Australia before and I really want to be amongst a crowd that bring the vibe and the energy.”
As part of the inaugural SXSW® Sydney calendar of events, BWS has partnered with Lime Cordiale who will kick-start the 2023 Cool Room series with a bang at Central Park, Sydney as part of the festival of music and innovation on 19 October 2023.
“We’d been looking for a way to play a meaningful part of SXSW Sydney and the BWS Cool Room is giving us a distinct and fun way for us to do just that, we’re thrilled to be kicking-off the series of events this October,” said the band.
The infectious five-piece band recently released their latest single. ‘Imposter Syndrome’ and landed four songs in Triple J’s Hottest 100 of 2022 including ‘Holy Moley’, which featured a collaboration with the multi-talented British actor, DJ, and musician Idris Elba.
“Music is a truly authentic way for us to connect with young Aussies and the BWS Cool Room is the perfect platform for us to do this,” said An Le, Head of Brand Marketing at BWS. “After seeing the impact of BWS Cool Room last year, we’re excited to continue to evolve our unique voice in music and to reach more communities over Summer. We have bold ambitions to go bigger and are thrilled to unveil our line-up of artists for this year!”
BWS COOL ROOM 2023 ARTISTS, DATES & LOCATIONS: • Lime Cordiale – Central Park, Sydney, NSW – 19 October 2023 • Memphis LK – Empire Park, Newcastle, NSW – 23 November 2023 • Armani White – Point Ormond Reserve, Elwood VIC – 7 December 2023
To attend, music fans must sign up via the BWS website to receive their entry into the ballot. Fans will also automatically go in the draw to win a Golden Ticket; 2 double passes to attend Armani White’s show in Victoria including flights, accommodation and a meet and greet with the artist himself. These are sure to be the hottest music tickets of the summer festival season.
Breathe in, now breathe out New Zealand. The good times just keep on rollin’ in 2023, and this November LIMP BIZKIT, aka one of the most defining nu metal bands of all time, are bringing the Dad Vibes and all your classic faves to Auckland’s Spark Arena for a headline sideshow on Sunday 26 November with special guests HANABIE. en route to Good Things Festival in Australia.
A rare few can boast the staying power and permeating legacy of a band like LIMP BIZKIT. Forged in Florida in the mid 90s with a raucous fusion of rock, metal and hip hop, LIMP BIZKIT‘s staggering legacy cemented in 1997 via their innovative debut album Three Dollar Bill, Y’all, with their angsty odes and genre-blurring ultimately influencing the nu metal stampede that catapulted into the mainstream.
Now boasting six studio albums, including their #1 charting albums Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) as well as their most recent full length Still Sucks (2021), LIMP BIZKIT have also received three Grammy Award nominations, wins at the Billboard Music Awards and Kerrang! Awards, and an induction into MTV’s Total Request Live Hall of Fame in 2001. And with multiple platinum albums already under their belts and over 13 million monthly dedicated listeners on Spotify alone, LIMP BIZKIT‘s fanbase continues to explode globally, as do their monstrous live performances.
A band who can party like it’s 1999 multiple decades on, LIMP BIZKIT‘s palpitating array of rock, metal, rap and beyond is as potent as ever, inciting mosh pits and rock’n’roll rebellion in a way only frontman Fred Durst and co. truly can. From their generation-defining singles like Break Stuff, Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle) and Nookie to newer cuts that keep the party vibes ferociously pumping, it’s undeniable that LIMP BIZKIT as electrifying now as they were when nu metal first reigned supreme.
Forming in 2015, Japanese metalcore outfit HANABIE. blend metal, hardcore, hip hop, electronica and J-pop with Harajuku-inspired aesthetics. Brandishing their secret weapons, pop, genre-less music and kawaii neo-Japanese style, HANABIE. also embrace tongue-in-cheek lyricism, as witnessed most recently on their 2023 album Reborn Superstar! as well as on their debut 2021 full length Girl’s Reform Manifest. Previously performing at Aftershock, Louder Than Life and Blue Ridge Rock Festival, HANABIE. are a breath of sharpened fresh air in the heavy realms and must-see in a live setting.
Ahead of appearing alongside Fall Out Boy, Devo, I Prevail, Bullet For My Valentine and many more at Good Things Festival in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this December, come and witness one of the all-time greats with some electrifying up-and-comers heading to New Zealand on Sunday 26 November. Auckland, you know what time it is – do not sleep on this one-off show.
Early bird pre-sale tickets on sale: Monday 25 September @ 9am NZST time
Fall Out Boy Limp Bizkit Devo (The Farewell Tour Celebrating 50 Years) I Prevail | Bullet For My Valentine | Corey Taylor Pennywise | Spiderbait | Slowly Slowly | Enter Shikari Behemoth | Sepultura | Taking Back Sunday | PVRIS
In Alphabetical Order: Bloom | Boom Crash Opera | Eskimo Joe | Frenzal Rhomb | Hanabie | Jebediah | Luca Brasi Magnolia Park | Make Them Suffer | Ocean Sleeper | Royal & The Serpent | Short Stack Slaughter To Prevail | Stand Atlantic | Tapestry | The Plot In You | While She Sleeps
DATES AND VENUES: Friday 1 December – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (LIC AA 15+) Saturday 2 December – Centennial Park, Sydney (18+) Sunday 3 December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane (LIC AA 15+)
LIMP BIZKIT
NEW ZEALAND HEADLINE SHOW
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
HANABIE.
SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SPARK ARENA, AUCKLAND
General tickets on sale: Wednesday 27 September @ 9am NZST time
Tickets fromdestroyalllines.com
We had the pleasure to interview one of our fav bands She Wants Revenge to chat about their new tour and more.
It’s your first ever Australian tour what took you so long!? And what can your Aussie fans expect from She Wants Revenge in October?
What took so long is that every time we had a tour planned something unexpected came up which got in the way. Once it was a late-night television appearance, once it was a tour or music video. So far back it’s hard to remember, but each time we were gutted, as we’ve been dying to come. Thomas Froggatt, our bass player who’s been in the band since our first show, is actually from Byron and Melbourne, so it’s incredible to finally get over there. When I told him this time he said, “I’ll believe it when I see it”. It’s like there have been outside forces keeping us from coming, but now it’s time to build a foundation so that we can continue to come play with some regularity.
Fans can expect a full-on rock show. We put 1000% into what we do, and take it very seriously. We never phone it in or give less than our best, a) because we love what we do and are super fortunate to be in the position we’re in, b) because the fans deserve it, especially those who’ve waited this long. We play a combination of deep cuts, familiar hits, fan-favorites, as well as two songs from our upcoming album.
Is there any truth to the rumors you guys are working on some new material? And if so, when can we expect to hear it?
Yes! We are about 85% into the process. We had to stop to come on this European/UK tour, but as soon as we get home we’ll be right back into it. You can expect a single before year’s end, and then a full LP sometime into 2024.
What made you put the band in hiatus in 2012 and then again in 2020 and are you guys enjoying playing live again?
To be honest, we were just fighting too much. Bands are relationships like any other. It’s a marriage really. Communication had broken down, and after years of being in a van, bus, and studio together every day for years, it took its toll. You either work through the stuff, individually and collectively change and make it work, or you let it build up until it implodes, and in 2012 it imploded. We got back together in 2016 because of the 10th anniversary of our 1st album, and agreed to try and make it work, and it did…. but things didn’t really change in a meaningful way, it was more like a bandaid on a bullet hole. So when the world changed in 2020 and so many of us were taking stock of our lives and what we wanted, I wasn’t sure I wanted to be in the band any longer. After making a solo album and spending time away from it, I realized I missed it, but knew that there were also parts I never wanted to experience again. What started as a thought turned into a lot of long, deep, pretty serious conversations between Adam and I figuring out why things were the way they were before, how to both change the way we communicated and interacted, and realized that there was a path forward which could be different, could be fun, communicated, not combative, and appreciative of this thing we created and built with so much time, energy and love. So now to be doing it again, I think I can speak for both of us when I say it’s the best it’s ever been, more fun than ever, we appreciate it on a deeper level, and the way the music is being received really makes us feel like not only are we exactly where we’re supposed to be, but that we’re doing what we’re meant to be doing.
What are you looking forward to most on this tour?
Surfing the Gold Coast, experiencing the culture, meeting the people, playing music for new audiences, the coffee, and hopefully some great food.
Justin what was it like touring with one of your heroes Peter Murphy in 2011, is their truth to the saying “never meet your heroes”?
I respect and enjoy the music Peter has made, but I wouldn’t use the word hero. No disrespect to him, I’m just not sure I have heroes. No one should be put on a pedestal for their art. But touring with Peter was fun, and everything I thought it was. We definitely developed a friendship of sorts, had some laughs, and even had some friendly competition, as he definitely has an edge, but that’s no secret. But just being able to share the stage with someone who’s music influenced ours is a trip. That was definitely great.
What Song do you love playing live?
It really changes, but what I can say is I don’t play any songs I don’t want to play.
You have 3 blistering albums which we love here at Black of Hearts, at a push do you have a favourite, and which one came together the easiest?
The first is always the easiest, as you don’t know you’re making it, and it’s the sum of everything that came before. I think that’s my favorite, as is the new one. But there are moments of each which I think are pretty special. The second record is solid and has some really good tunes. The 3rd is a great record. Now some of the tunes are considered fan-favorites, but at the time the core fans felt it was too much of a departure. I can see that, as it clearly has the sound of a band trying to stretch out beyond its confines, but I do think it’s a good record as well. So I guess the first, which coincidentally came together the easiest. That is not unrelated. The new album came together quite easily as well, so that should tell you something.
What does your writing process look like?
It really varies. In the past we would write music together, I would go off and write lyrics and sing to it, then show him the song for notes and his feelings, then we’d finish the songs together and separate.
This record was unlike any we’d done before. With this record we either the wrote music together in a room, or Adam would start a piece of music on his own and send me instrumentals to check out and see what connected and I’d tell him which songs were resonating with me.. Sometimes I’d have an idea for a type of beat, a tempo, a feeling, or a vibe, and I’d give him a prompt which he’d take and make something and send it over to me. A lot of the time it was exactly what I was hoping for.
Once the basics of the song are there, I then I go off and write the words and melody, track all of the guitars, write additional parts, and sometimes plays with the arrangement and rearrange things. As well as feeling like the songs had to have a certain feeling and tone, my only real intention was writing the best lyrics possible, and I’m really proud at what I achieved in that regard.
The most striking difference this time around is that rather than sing a song and present to him for notes, this time I worked on all of the lyrics and melody until all the songs were done, andthen presented him with all the songs at once. It’s unorthodox and was probably a bit jarring getting all that information at once after only hearing them as instrumentals for so long, but not only did I need to hear it develop as a whole while I worked on them to get my head inside the album, but it felt right to present them to him as such. He definitely put a lot of faith and trust in me and let me have the space to do it the way I needed to this time, and I think it ended up working out quite well. That said I doubt he’d want to do it this way again. Haha. It wasn’t a conscious choice though, it was due to having separate schedules, studios, and to some degree just ended up being the way I had to do it to find the literal and figurative voice to an album that was the first in over a decade. The good news is it worked, so I’m not complaining.
Is there a song you wish you had written and why?
Loads. Hard to name any, but if pressed I would say just about anything from Loveless or Abbey Road.
Is there a song you are most proud of writing?
A lot of the lyrics on the 1st album (except Monologue, which just sounds silly to me now), and all of the songs/lyrics on my forthcoming solo album. Also, most of my 1st solo album (My Field Trip To Planet 9), and Bug Powder Dust. Those come to mind.
There are elements of erotic themes running through a lot of your lyrics, is that a conscious choice or is that just organic?
Both, but as I’ve gotten older, that has mellowed. I’m not a single 30 year old any longer. To me the songs are about love, loss, regret, heartbreak, lust, betrayal, longing. As I get older that remains, but so do themes of mortality, hope, love, and the emotions of living in the modern age as the world has gone completely mad.
What has been the highlight of your careers so far?
Simply having one. Very fortunate. I don’t say lucky, because I don’t believe in that so much as karma. Talent + hard work + sacrifice + being a good person and trying to help others, build community, and grow = fortunate.
What does the future hold for She Wants Revenge?
New album, more touring, solo releases for both, lots of videos, art, and moving up and forward.
What is the best gig you’ve played?
Impossible to say, but Serbia the other night was among the best I’ve played this decade.
We can hear shades of some of our favourite bands in your music but who would you say has been your biggest influence?
Prince, Depeche Mode, Girls Against Boys, Sonic Youth, Jane’s Addiction, Tom Petty, Psychedelic Furs, Robert Smith, Johnny Marr, My Bloody Valentine, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, Led Zeppelin, De La Soul, Suicide, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream, The B-52’s, The Pretenders, Iggy, Lou Reed, early Stones, George Harrison, the list goes on….
Justin, you started out as a rapper and Adam you were a DJ for a while how did you guys end up in a post punk goth rock band?
Being record nerds, coming up in hip-hop which at the time was a sample-based culture, the sound of the music we made and listened to was shaped by multiple genres. Additionally, we both were into new wave and hip-hop in real time as it was coming of age, so doing both has always felt very natural. From Blondie doing, “Rapture”, to New Order being exposed to Black disco in the clubs of New York and incorporating that into their sound, that type of cross-genre blend has always been exciting, and I feel our music is part of that lineage.
How do you guys spend your time when you’re not doing, She Wants Revenge?
Even while touring and working with She Wants Revenge, I manage three artists, as well as overseeing release strategy, marketing, and creative direction for a handful of others. When I’m not working I mainly just spend time with my family. Adam has other creative projects, produces other artists, DJ’s, takes photographs, and makes coffee. We both spend a lot of time making coffee. It’s a passion and obsession.
If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why?
My deceased grandfather. He was a very interesting character with a colorful past who led a wildlife. He was hugely influential to me, and we were quite close. My son is researching for a film he’s planning to make about him, so I’d love to spend one more night with him under the guise of my son asking him questions, but really so that he could get to know his great-grandson who he only met when he was quite young.
Thanks so much for you time and we look forward to your show in Melbourne:)
Marking the 20th Anniversary of Amy Winehouse’ celebrated debut album International Photographer, Charles Moriarty, brings intimate collection to Australia.
On the eve of what would have been Amy Winehouse’ 40th birthday, internationally renowned photographer, Charles Moriarty, has announced the Australian tour of ‘Amy, Before Frank’, a personal tribute and intimate collection of timeless photography captured when a young, fresh faced, 19-year-old Amy Winehouse was on the cusp of global stardom.
Back in 2003, when Charles Moriarty was asked by a mutual friend to photograph a local singer by the name of Amy Winehouse, he had no idea of the heights that the honest, self-assured 19-year-old he was introduced to would eventually reach. The Irish photographer ended up shooting the cover for Amy’s debut album, Frank, with the two striking up a friendship that remained close for many years.
Charles Moriarty’s Amy, Before Frank collection features a series of photographs that are fun, mischievous and capture a remarkable period for one of music’s most significant and iconic figures. Moriarty’s photographs are charming, intimate, insightful, and emotional for fans of Amy who have stayed close to her turbulent life journey, and it’s heart-breaking, all too soon, end.
On bringing Amy, Before Frank to Australia, after 20 years since Amy was introduced to the world “it’s time for people to know the girl I knew; Amy before the fame, Amy before Frank” said Charles Moriarty.
Moriarty’s images have quickly made a transition into collective cultural memory, through both the iconic cover for Frank and now at London’s National Portrait Gallery, where one of the images from this exhibit sits in the permanent collection.
Presented by Behind The Gallery, the Amy, Before Frank collection will arrive in Sydney in October, before travelling to Melbourne in November, at a time that also marks the 20th anniversary of her internationally acclaimed debut album, Frank, which was originally released on the 20th October, 2003.
“Charles captured the innocence, honesty, happiness of Amy before the cusp of fame happened. The trust in the shots of Amy from Charles is based upon friendship and not something we have seen like this before. It’s a side of Amy rarely shown before, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone in Australia”. Said, Stephen Dallimore – Behind the Gallery.
Over 30 images will be featured and on display in Sydney at the m2 Gallery in Surry Hills. The free-of-charge exhibit will be open to the public from the 18th – 22nd October, from 10am – 5pm each day with the opportunity to hear directly from Charles Moriarty who will share personal insights and anecdotes from his time spent with Amy, in person on Saturday 21st October at 12.30pm.
The Amy, Before Frank exhibitwill then travel to Melbourne’s @14 Gallery in Collingwood, open to the public from 1st – 5th November, 10am – 5pm each day. Moriarty will also be hosting an in-person artist talk on Saturday 4th November at 12.30pm.
BREAKTHROUGH HIP HOP FIREBRAND SET TO APPEAR AT BIGSOUND 2023 AND FIELD DAY 2024
Easily one of Australian hip hop’s most dynamic new names, J-MILLA has harnessed the momentum generated off the back of a busy two years and has poured it into his strongest material to date with the release of new track, ‘On My Soul’.
Released in the lead up to his anticipated appearance at BIGSOUND this year, ‘On My Soul’ is a moment of elevation and evolution from the young musician and lyricist.
Its release also adds another layer of accomplishment to what an incredible year for J-MILLA has been; one that has included industry acclaim and a historic performance on Wadeye during Reconciliation Week 2023, the first of its kind to be live streamed via TikTok.
A huge achievement by J-MILLA, the dedicated TikTok live stream event, produced in conjunction with iHeart Radio, was the first digitally live streamed concert out of a remote Indigenous community, attracting over 689k users engaging with the event throughout its duration.
Recording ‘On My Soul’ in Adelaide, J-MILLA linked up with composer and musician Nick Wales (Sarah Blasko, NGAIIRE, Sydney Dance Company) to deliver the string arrangement we hear on the track, performed by Wales and talented violinist Veronique Serret (Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Bangarra, AIR Award winner for best independent classical album). With final mixing and mastering completed by Prospeks, ‘On My Soul’ demonstrates J-MILLA’s continued shows of versatility as an artist and wordsmith.
Following on from the single ‘NICEST’ earlier in 2023, ‘On My Soul’ feels like a confident step forward for the artist, originally hailing from Darwin. A proper taste of things still to come.
“I’m really pleased with it, it shows my deeper side, my lyrical side – adds depth to my range, so while I still love the club bangas, I always will have room in my set for the more dramatic moments and this is one of them.”
“It tells a snippet of the story of my life, from where I started to where I am now and how my values have changed and evolved. It speaks of the importance of being authentic and having integrity because everything you do imprints your soul and you wear that stuff, that energy, so I want my energy to shine with good vibes.”
J-MILLA
Single Artwork: Poppy Radbone
Since his breakout with the powerful track ‘Unlock The System’, J-MILLA’s profile has risen considerably on the radars of tastemakers and fans around the country.
A consistent string of strong tracks in the years that followed showed J-MILLA’s prowess. These included the absolute vibe in ‘FRESH’ and ‘60K+’ in 2020, and in 2022 ‘Ball and Chain’, a collaboration with Xavier Rudd that earned J-MILLA a National Indigenous Music Award nomination.
As a live performer, J-MILLA’s chops have sharpened courtesy of a series of well-received performances on lucrative stages including the Adelaide Festival, Darwin Festival and Groovin The Moo. He also shone on stages shared with the likes of Ziggy Ramo and JK-47, as well as attracting the attention of BIGSOUND, landing on their BIGSOUND50 list in 2020. Now set to return to BIGSOUND in 2023, J-MILLA is ready to showcase his new show and creative vision moving forward.
“I was handpicked for the Bigsound50 back in 2020 so to finally arrive and showcase is mad. It’s now 2023 and during the three years since I’ve been working my show out on remote Aboriginal communities around the country and am pumped to perform for the industry and show them what I’m about.
I can’t wait to connect with the people on-the-ground at BIGSOUND and bring our energies to a new level.”
J-MILLA
TOUR DATES
Wednesday 6th September BIGSOUND Brightside Outdoors Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 7th September BIGSOUND Wonderland Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 4th November Yidiyi Day Wadeye, NT
Saturday 18th November Giiyong Festival Eden, NSW
Saturday 11th November CLANCESTRY, Mob Music Stage QPAC – Brisbane
Mon January 1st FIELD DAY Sydney, NSW
PRAISE FOR J-MILLA
“the piano melody and gentle vocals might soften the production, but J-MILLA’s uncompromising bars are as honest and gritty as ever.”
TRIPLE J, Abby Butler
“J-MILLA is the living example proving actions speak louder than words.”
TRIPLE J UNEARTHED
“It feels like J-MILLA’s star is just beginning to rise”
TONEDEAF
“J-MILLA’s ascendant trajectory in the vibrant Australian hip-hop scene has been nothing short of meteoric, invoking an ardent devotion from fans who recognize his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. With an unmatched prowess, he has captivated audiences far and wide, establishing himself as a rising luminary whose influence knows no bounds.”
Rising Gold Coast-based artist Archer makes an instant impact on the irresistibly catchy new single ‘Bittersweet’; a playful bedroom-pop anthem that details the fallout of a one-sided relationship. Full to the brim with ear-worm melodies, dynamic production and infectious charm, Archer proves she is certainly one to watch on ‘Bittersweet’.
“The track itself is about going out of your way to change how you are for the benefit of someone else and the realisation that the whole feeling is bittersweet when it doesn’t work out. The story is told in the terms of a relationship that goes sour after miscommunicated expectations which makes it all a bit sassy and fun – I mean not for anyone who takes it to heart though.” Archer
Archer has been going from strength to strength since her impressive debut single ‘Malibu’ back in 2018, with over 3 million+ collective streams and over 65k + playlist adds across DSPs. Archer tows the line sonically between Pop and Hip-hop sensibilities on Bittersweet with grimey, edgy production and fool-proof songwriting technique that has been developing constantly with every release. With a style that is sure to resonate with fans of artists like Mallrat, Sycco and Allday, Archer brings a fresh energy to the pop scene that feels simultaneously familiar and unique.
Co-produced, mixed and mastered by Melbourne Rapper/Producer Drest, the track has been in the works since 2022, and finally found its feet earlier this year with the help of Producer Riverine (Allday, 360, YNGmartyr).
“Drest and I had worked on the beat in late 2022 but with different lyrics and then kind of worked on other things and the track was left on the shelf. Then in early 2023 we decided to revisit it because the demo was really cool and had heaps of potential. The chorus started with the line “Boy your rings just make your fingers green ” which was a really cool concept to start to workshop the rest of the lyrics around. Once we’d finished the basic idea of the beat and all the lyrics, we brought on Riverine to beef it up and add a little razzle dazzle to the drops. And so that’s how the track became the way it is.” – Archer
Archer has already seen significant support from Triple J Unearthed, with airtime for ‘Malibu’, ‘Words Out’ and ‘Empty Space’, as well as an inclusion in their “if you like mallrat” article. ‘Bittersweet’ marks Archer’s first release since 2021, and she explains that every aspect needed to align perfectly before releasing the track into the world.
“It’s been a while since I’ve released music just because I knew I wanted to get it just right. I’ve always been kind of superstitious and it was important that everything, even the date the bittersweet comes out had to align. So I decided to release the track on the 23rd because I feel like I’ve always seen 23 everywhere, it’s 2023 and I even have a 23 tattoo.” – Archer
“Archer your music could soundtrack a coming-of-age movie about a bunch of friends who break into a private beach to go make some memories. love this new one from you.”
PLUS Oppenheimer actor, Cillian Murphy provided a dramatic touch to the album’s closer, ‘Oceans Apart‘.
Album out now via Modern Sky / Virgin Music Australia
Flipping the dusty fallboard up on the saloon bar piano to stir deep pools of longing and regret, while sensing hope of salvation by making good their escape, The Coral recently released the twilight requiem of ‘Faraway Worlds’, the final track lifted from their new album, Sea Of Mirrors, out now(released Friday 8 September)on via Modern Sky.
On the same day, the band will release the single-pressing, physical formats-only Holy Joe’s Coral Island Medicine Show, completing a characteristically unorthodox, summer-long voyage to both their 11th and 12th long-players.
Turning the cracked glamour of weary and lost fallen idols of film to face the doldrum-documentarians of 20th Century cinematic songwriting, founder member, songwriter and singer, James Skelly has previously described Sea Of Mirrors as the imagined soundtrack to “an Italian western directed by Fellini with a Richard Yates-written script” while namechecking Lee Hazlewood’s 1970 TV soundtrack, A Cowboy In Sweden, as one in a range of influential catalysts.
Yet, ‘Faraway Worlds’, the fourth song fans are able to hear in advance of Sea Of Mirror’s anticipated release, following previews including ‘Wild Bird‘ and ‘That’s Where She Belongs‘, celebrates the power of imagination to fill voids of obvious inspiration. Looking back to the innocent wandering of brothers, James and the band’s drummer, Ian Skelly’s minds as children, the tapestry of weary bar room piano, slide guitar, flute and rich vocal harmonies forms a dusky, late-running highlight from the score to a film that has only existed, and can only ever exist, in the singular, creative world of The Coral.
James Skelly says of the track: “Ian and I wrote this one together. We were trying to capture the feeling of when we were kids, creating our own worlds. Lyrically, it’s inspired by Dylan Thomas, musically by John Martyn and the more pastoral side of Pink Floyd.”
The last albums to be recorded at Liverpool’s now lost, yet legendary studio complex, Parr Street, both Sea Of Mirrors and Holy Joe… were made to shine by the abundant virtues of collaboration. While welcoming The High Llamas and Stereolab’s Sean O’Hagan on board as co-producer for Sea Of Mirrors, detailing the album with string arrangements and challenging the band with quality-controlling critique, the band also welcomed Oppenheimer actor, Cillian Murphy to provide the finishing, dramatic touches to album closer, ‘Oceans Apart‘.
Found to sit perfectly in the gap between the world created by their universally-acclaimed 2021 double album, Coral Island and the flooded set and soaked cardboard cowboys of Sea Of Mirrors’ doomed film set story, Holy Joe’s Coral Island Medicine Show’s broken radio broadcast, providing a further 17 tracks, is narrated once again by the Skelly’s grandfather, The Great Muriarty. Looking another step beyond the band for finishing touches, Holy Joe… features the previously released ‘Drifter’s Prayer‘ narrated by Dr Who and Life On Mars actor, John Simm.
Sea Of Mirrors will be more released this week on multiple, limited-edition and standard vinyl formats as well as CD, cassette and digital, while Holy Joe’s Coral Island Medicine Show will only be available to fans and collectors on single-pressing physical vinyl, CD and cassette.
The Coral’s first appeared to the music loving public in the early 00’s via legendary Liverpool indie, Deltasonic and delivered a run of radio hit singles throughout that fertile decade, including Dreaming Of You (now on over 100 million streams globally and securing UK Platinum status), Pass It On, Don’t Think You’re The First and In The Morning. Six of their previous albums have reached the Top 10 including Coral Island and 2003’s No.1 chart success, Magic and Medicine, which saw the band nominated for Best Group at the Brit Awards.
The Coral are James Skelly, Ian Skelly, Nick Power, Paul Duffy and Paul Molloy.
The Coral – Sea of Mirrors
Album out now via Modern Sky / Virgin Music Australia
Sea Of Mirrors tracklist
1. The Actor and the Cardboard Cowboy
2. Cycles of the Seasons
3. Faraway Worlds
4. Wild Bird
5. North Wind
6. Eleanor
7. Sea of Mirrors
8. That’s Where She Belongs
9. The Way You Are
10. Dream River
11. Almeria
12. Child of the Moon
13. Oceans Apart
PURPLE DISCO MACHINE, DUKE DUMONT AND NOTHING BUT THIEVES UNVEIL NEW SINGLE
‘SOMETHING ON MY MIND‘
Grammy award winning DJ and producer Purple Disco Machine has joined forces with Duke Dumont and Nothing But Thieves to release their new single ‘Something On My Mind’.
The dynamic collaboration showcases a twist on Purple Disco Machine’s signature style, leaning into electronic indie pop with shimmering synth textures, a bubbling electro bassline, and Nothing But Thieves’ unmistakable sound. The unique blend of genres is further enhanced by Dom Craik and chart-topping producer Duke Dumont, whose friendship with Purple Disco Machine was born out of playing shows together over the years.
The track is accompanied with a super slick visual directed by Denisha Anderson at Caviar. Featuring cameo appearances as hijacked hostages from Nothing But Thieves and Purple Disco Machine, the video takes viewers from high-speed joyrides to robbing restaurants as fiery, romantic sparks take centre stage.
Purple Disco Machine has been at the forefront of a disco revival, earning accolades and chart success with his infectious grooves. His recent collaboration with Kungs ‘Substitution’, so far achieved over 110 millions streams worldwide, becoming another massive European airplay hit (#2 in Europe), and Gold status in Italy, The Netherlands, France, Belgium and Hungary. With an impressive track record that includes Grammy wins and remixes for a multitude of acclaimed artists, Purple Disco Machine has solidified his position as a trailblazer in electronic music. Having recently received a Grammy for Best Remix Performance on Lizzo’s ‘About Damn Time,’ Purple Disco Machine continues to ride a wave of incredible success.
Nothing But Thieves are known for their distinctive sound and powerful lyricism. The band bring their alt-rock sensibilities to the table, adding a dynamic edge to the collaboration. The Southend five-piece recently released their UK #1 album ‘Dead Club City’ and have an adept ability to progress their sound and experiment between the diverse genres that shape them, which make ‘Something On My Mind’ a particularly powerful collaboration.
While Duke Dumont’s focus is purely on artistry and building a world-beating live show, he’s still in the habit of making outrageously successful music commercially in the process. His worldwide streaming numbers literally stretch into the billions, over 4 billion to be precise, making him one of the most successful producers of electronic music on the planet. Monster tracks such as ‘The Chant’, ‘Ocean Drive’, ‘The Power’, ‘Red Light Green Light’, ‘I Got U’ and ‘Need U(100%)’ have been detonating clubs and parties, and continue to do so, for the last decade. Upon release, ‘I Got U’ and ‘Need U(100%)’ went to #1 in the UK single charts.
After already playing a run of multiple headline DJ sets across the globe earlier this year Purple Disco Machine will play his first ever headline show in his home city of Dresden on September 15th. The sold out 5,000 capacity show will feature guest appearances by many of the collaborating artists from his hit records. With more than 80 shows to play in 2023 he will then travel to the USA, Canada, Europe and Mexico to spread some more disco love across the planet.
Purple Disco Machine 2023 Tour Dates
15/09 Purple Disco Machine & Guests @ Junge Garde, Dresden, DE
22/09 Echostage, Washington DC
23/09 Life Is Beautiful Festival, Las Vegas, NV
24/09 Brooklyn Mirage (Day + Night Show), Brooklyn, NY
12 TRACKS INCLUDING 5 BRAND NEW SONGS ALL RECORDED
LIVE BY THE BAND IN A CLUB IN PARIS
Parcels have announced they will release their new album Live Vol. 2 on 20th October via Because Music / Virgin Music Australia. It will be available digitally and on 180gsm double vinyl. Their new single and accompanying video ‘Reflex – from Le Palace, Paris’, taken from the forthcoming album, are out now.
Live Vol. 2 consists of twelve tracks, all recorded live by the band at a secret gig in Paris last year. The album includes 5 brand new & unreleased songs and follows on from Parcels’ previous live album, Live Vol. 1, released in 2020 and a fan favourite for its display of the band’s distinguished musicianship and one-take performance.
But Live Vol. 2 sees the 5-piece – from Australia but based in Berlin – explore a new, club inspired direction and sound, first trialed at their live shows last year. Patrick Hetherington of the band explains:
“I think a lot of things lead up to us making this record. Maybe we finally allowed ourselves to musically reflect our years in Berlin, moments in dark nightclubs flying high. We wanted to transport people into the club with us. Into the tense, faceless, euphoric world that can present itself in the right environment with the right repetition of the right chords and rhythms. Transcendence. When people stop thinking and just feel, just move. That deep escape.
Beforehand we had many months touring the world, playing festivals and headline shows. Trying to make a crowd move. We felt a pull towards dance music so we started to sneak more of these long repetitious tangents into our set. On the last tour in Europe half of the set was a rave and the other half was the more traditional songs. We didn’t feel like we could go much further with it at our concerts though, especially the bigger ones. It was already divisive amongst our fans and for this dance stuff to work we really needed the whole crowd to take the trip with us and to let go. So we figured for ‘Live Vol. 2’, why not go all the way there! Here was an opportunity to rent a small club, to take away the name Parcels, and all the expectations that come with it, and just have a hot room full of people dancing. The previous year on the road was like training, learning to enter these long semi-improvised dance sections, learning how to communicate with each other and how to keep a crowd on their toes. Every night we honed in closer on new, rearranged versions of Parcels songs. ‘Live Vol. 2’ was where we would really let loose and drive it home. We would play for 2 hours, just dance music. And it was an experiment, a risk, because we’d never done it so purely before.”
‘Reflex – from Le Palace, Paris’, taken from Live Vol. 2, is out now and is the first single from the album. Of the single, Jules Crommelin says:
“We seem to like shifting our songs in drastic ways, turning them upside down and back to front, and for Reflex that meant changing a ballad into a fast euphoric trance dance track. It was a lot of fun to play that night, I remember the feeling.. the building energy in the evening.”
Originally formed in Byron Bay, Australia back in 2014, Parcels are presently based in Berlin, Germany and the band’s line-up is keyboardist Louie Swain, keyboardist/guitarist Patrick Hetherington, bassist Noah Hill, drummer Anatole “Toto” Serret, and guitarist Jules Crommelin.
The band released their debut, self-titled album in 2018 to widespread critical acclaim, with NME dubbing it “cheeky, timeless and devilishly catchy” in their 5-star review. Parcels’ second studio album Day/Night is an ambitious record made up of two self contained albums. The record was praised by the likes of Rolling Stone UK: “a brilliantly accomplished, genre-spanning record” and Gigwise who proclaimed it “a career-defining record”.
Parcels are a formidable unit as a live band, and completed their biggest tour to date last year, performing a 6-stop sold-out Australian tour performing at Enmore Theatre (Sydney), The Tivoli (Brisbane), and The Forum (Melbourne) with The Music stating “the Byron five’s scintillating synchronicity wowed beyond expectation”. Internationally, they also performed to sold out headline shows and festivals across the globe including Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and New York’s SummerStage in Central Park. The band’s most recent shows in the UK were hailed “a dextrous show of live prowess” in NME’s 5-star review of their Islington Academy Show, adding: “you simply have to see this band live.” All this is evident in Live Vol. 2, the new album by Parcels – out 20th October via Because Music / Virgin Music Australia. New single ‘Reflex – from Le Palace, Paris’ is out now.
‘Live Vol. 2’ track listing…
SIDE A:
1. Shadow – from Le Palace, Paris
2. LordHennessy – from Le Palace, Paris
3. Ascend – from Le Palace, Paris
4. Recast – from Le Palace, Paris
SIDE B:
1. Reflex – from Le Palace, Paris
2. Iknowhowyoufeel – from Le Palace, Paris
3. Gamesofluck – from Le Palace, Paris
SIDE C:
1. Thefear – from Le Palace, Paris
2. Transcend – from Le Palace, Paris
SIDE D:
1. Entrance – from Le Palace, Paris
2. Lightenup – from Le Palace, Paris
3. React – from Le Palace, Paris
GRAMMY® Award-winning, Diamond selling superstar Cardi B is back with her latest single, “Bongos” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. Listen HERE. “Bongos” was released via Atlantic Records and is accompanied by a lively, colorful visual directed by Tanu Muino.
The visual takes place in Cardi B’s own sun-drenched oasis featuring an assortment of dazzling dancers surrounding the iconic duo throughout. “Bongos” arrives alongside a limited-edition CD for the single available for purchase HERE.
“Bongos” made its global broadcast premiere on MTV, MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop, YO! MTV, BET Jams, and BET Hip Hop, as well as on the Paramount Times Square billboards. It also arrives alongside the announcement of Cardi’s historic 12 nominations at this year’s upcoming BET Hip-Hop Awards. Tied with 21 Savage for most awarded artist, her nominations include: two nominations each for Best Hip Hop Video and Best Collaboration two nominations each for Song of the Year and Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse, Best Live Performer, Lyricist of the Year, Hip Hop Artist of the Year, and Hustler of the Year. “Bongos” comes on the heels of Cardi B’s breathtaking Vogue México and Latin America cover shoot for the famous September issue. The breathtaking cover shoot was accompanied by an in-depth, intimate interview that is available to read HERE.
Prior to “Bongos,” the pair released the historic and viral sensation, “WAP” which affirmed Cardi B as one of Apple Music’s most popular artists of all time, earning the platform’s highest-ever debut by a female artist as well as the fastest song in Apple Music history by a female artist to peak at #1. It also went on to go #1 on the ARIA charts and went 6 x Platinum. The visual has now reached over 510M views and the audio now has over 3B streams worldwide.
ABOUT CARDI B
Cardi B is among the most significant musical artists of all time, regardless of genre, gender, or generation- all accomplished in less than a decade. She has 22 platinum singlesin Australia, and over 507 million Australian streams to-date. Among her seemingly unstoppable list of accomplishments, she stands as the highest-certified female rapper of all time on the RIAA’s “Top Artists (Digital Singles)” ranking, the female rap artist with the most RIAA diamond certifications, and the only female rapper with multiple billion-streamers on Spotify, where her chart-topping, GRAMMY® Award-winning, 4x RIAA platinum-certified debut album, “Invasion of Privacy”, remains the most streamed album by a female rap artist to date. All 13 tracks on “Invasion of Privacy” are now certified at least Platinum in the US, and the smash 2018 album also includes the history-making Diamond-certified “Bodak Yellow.” Her extensive list of awards, nominations, and high-profile honors currently includes nine total GRAMMY® Award nominations, eight Billboard Music Awards, six Guinness World Records, five Spotify One Billion Streams Awards, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year Awards, eight ASCAP Pop Music Awards, 23 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, six American Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, three iHeartRadio Titanium Awards, six BET Awards, 14 BET Hip Hop Awards, inclusion on TIME’s “TIME100: The 100 Most Influential People of 2018,” being named Entertainment Weekly’s 2018 “Entertainer of the Year” and Billboard’s 2020 “Woman of the Year,” along with countless other triumphs. Last year, she was named as iconic lifestyle brand Playboy’s first-ever Creative Director in Residence and founding member of Playboy’s creator-led platform. Since then, Cardi B’s has been on countless features including Platinum-certified single, “Tomorrow 2” with Glorilla, and Gold-certified “Put It On The Floor” with Latto.
THE GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL 2023
HUGE LINE-UP IS HERE
We interrupt your regular viewing to announce that Good Things season is upon us – and if you thought 2022 was huge, that’s not all folks! Australia’s largest and favourite travelling music festival, Good Things Festival, returns this December with a bumper line-up set to descend on the east coast, bringing a horde of new and iconic faves from Australia and around the globe together for nothing but a good time.
Leading the pack for Good Things Festival2023 will be none other than American rock idols FALL OUT BOY. From dominating your Myspace era to becoming one of rock’s biggest-selling bands, FALL OUT BOY have proven time and time again that their sweltering legacy is definitely not a phase, with their latest 2023 album So Much (For) Stardust marking the band’s seventh consecutive top-ten charting album. Armed with a career to date that spans Billboard #1 debuts, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone, sold out stadium runs playing to over 1 million fans and multiple Grammy Award nominations, a FALL OUT BOY live experience is guaranteed to be explosive, enigmatic and packed full sentimental delights as well as fresh cuts.
Whether you’re a Dad Vibes stan or have been rollin’ since day one, Good Things Festival are also bringing in Florida heavies LIMP BIZKIT to keep the party rockin’ this December. One of the most influential acts of the nu metal era, LIMP BIZKIT have garnered three Grammy Award nominations alongside their timeless angst and genre-straddling prowess that brought rap metal to the masses; a fact that continues colourfully to this day. And from breaking stuff to whipping it, American new wave legends DEVO will also take the Good Things Festival stages later this year for their last-ever Australian appearances as part of The Farewell Tour Celebrating 50 Years. The ultimate meeting point for rock and electronic fusion, DEVO’s impact on the alternative music landscape is as revered as their tongue-in-cheek charm, and you absolutely won’t want to miss the final bucket list chance to catch the group live in action on our shores this December.
Also locked and loaded to return to down under, post-hardcore Grammy-nominated heroes I PREVAIL will be bringing the arena vibes, continuing their meteoric rise that has spanned their decade-long career. Hailed as being one of rock’s biggest breakthrough bands, I PREVAIL’s might has only intensified of late with the release of their 2022 album True Power. And speaking of might, Welsh metal outfit BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE have got you covered, with their explosive and infectious blend of heavy metal, metalcore and beyond set to collide into beautiful chaos across the east coast of Australia, while Slipknot frontman COREY TAYLOR gears up to keep the party firing on all cylinders, bringing his solo adventures to Australia alongside his brand-new album CMF2.
Flying the flag for all things raucous, Golden State staples PENNYWISE will flex their fiery flair, with the iconic California punk rockers heading our way yet again after a monstrous headline run in 2022. And also repping the punk at Good Things Festival this year will be none other than the ARIA Award-winning stylings of thrash pop mainstays SPIDERBAIT; three friends from a small country town who took the industry by storm decades ago and have snagged nearly every accolade in existence on the Australian music scene.
Speaking of Aussies, beloved indie rockers SLOWLY SLOWLY will be ready to delight this December with their anthemic melodics and colourful pop and armed with their buoyant 2022 album Daisy Chain which snagged triple j’s feature album upon release. Meanwhile, British electronic rockers ENTER SHIKARI will be packing their dynamic wares to wow the crowds wielding their seventh full-length album, the #1 charting A Kiss for the Whole World.
The relentless fury of Poland metallers BEHEMOTH will be primed to blow the festivities into a whole new stratosphere when the group make their eagerly anticipated return down under. A band whose creative innovation is as revered as their jagged dynamics, BEHEMOTH’s live show is renowned for its power, as is the sweltering live reputation of influential groove merchants SEPULTURA who will return to Australia this December all the way from Brazil.
Also letting the good vibes roll this December, prolific indie rockers TAKING BACK SUNDAY will hit our shores armed with hooks, odes to heartbreak and their notorious live potency, alongside the enigmatic electropop stylings of the chameleonic PVRIS guaranteed to bring all of the captivating feels to a Good Things Festival stage near you.
But just when you thought that was as good as it gets, in keeping with Good Things Festival 2023’s nod to some of our most beloved icons, the gamut of Australian alternative rock will also be celebrated in brilliant fashion by some of the most formative names in the game, including the chart-topping, multi-time ARIA Award-winning rockers ESKIMO JOE, as well as the band who nearly broke the airwaves with their irresistible rockin’ earworms in the 90s: JEBEDIAH.
Continuing the Aussie flavour at Good Things Festival this year, you’ll never have so much fun as you do copping punk rock rapscallions FRENZAL RHOMB live in action, with the Sydney group lined up alongside quintessential Central Coast pop punks SHORT STACK and charismatic Melbourne mainstays BOOM CRASH OPERA to lather you in all the fun and punk-tastic earworms you can handle. And continuing a huge year of touring and releasing new music, Tassie rockers LUCA BRASI are ready to dazzle with their emphatic rock wares, as are symphonic metal dynamos MAKE THEM SUFFER, Sydney melodic hardcore outfit BLOOM and Melbourne post hardcore powerhouses TAPESTRY.
For lovers of metalcore and its surrounds, clear your schedule and get pumped for the J-pop-soaked riffs and breakdowns from Japan’s HANABIE, as well as the cathartic yet towering potency of Ohio quartet THE PLOT IN YOU, the lush brutality of British melodic heavy-hitters WHILE SHE SLEEPS, and the pummeling force of Australia’s very own OCEAN SLEEPER. And from riff city to delicious brutality, Russian deathcore titans SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL are ready, willing, and gleefully able to lure you into the mosh.
And that’s still not all! Whether you need a hit of buoyant punk, glossy alt pop or both; good news, you don’t have to choose because Florida rockers MAGNOLIA PARK and solo sensation ROYAL & THE SERPENT will both be in your Good Things Festival future in 2023, with Sydney pop punks STAND ATLANTIC also locked in to stupefy later this year with a heap of new tunes in tow.
GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL LINE UP:
Fall Out Boy Limp Bizkit Devo (The Farewell Tour Celebrating 50 Years) I Prevail | Bullet For My Valentine | Corey Taylor Pennywise | Spiderbait | Slowly Slowly | Enter Shikari Behemoth | Sepultura | Taking Back Sunday | PVRIS
In Alphabetical Order:
Bloom | Boom Crash Opera | Eskimo Joe | Frenzal Rhomb | Hanabie | Jebediah | Luca Brasi Magnolia Park | Make Them Suffer | Ocean Sleeper | Royal & The Serpent | Short Stack Slaughter To Prevail | Stand Atlantic | Tapestry | The Plot In You | While She Sleeps
DATES AND VENUES:
Friday 1 December – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (LIC AA 15+)
Saturday 2 December – Centennial Park, Sydney (18+)
Sunday 3 December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane (LIC AA 15+)
Early Bird pre-sale tickets on sale Tuesday 22 August @ 10am AEST Time
Sign up now for early bird pre-sale tickets at www.goodthingsfestival.com.au
UNEARTH SONGS FROM HARLEQUIN DREAM ARCHIVES SHARING NEW SINGLE
‘ABRAHAM‘
NEW EP LOST DREAMS DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 15
+ HARLEQUIN DREAM 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY VINYL DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 1
Exactly 10 years on from the release of their chart topping, ARIA-nominated album Harlequin Dream, Sydney’s Boy & Bear return today with a brand new single Abraham alongside the announcement of a new EP Lost Dreams; and the timing is no mere coincidence, with the new material comprised of found songs taken from the Harlequin Dream studio time. A celebration and continuation of the band’s most successful album to date, the Lost Dreams chapter launches today via the sun-soaked Abraham, ahead of the EP’s release on Friday September 15 amid the band embarking on an extensive regional tour throughout September, October and well into November.
A jubilant blend of folk, blues and pop, Abraham seamlessly unfurls with undulating vocals, sparkling instrumentation and pulsing yet sparse rhythms, equally floating and foot-stomping in trademark Boy & Bear fashion. Offering a track that is just as at home in 2023 as it was back in the band’s Harlequin Dream era, drawing inspiration from the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Band of Horses amongst many others, Abraham’s unfettered groove-laden 70s pop charm presents as part time machine and part celebration for Boy & Bear, as lead vocalist and guitarist David Hosking explains, “I think It’s always interesting looking back and listening to old tunes. On one level the band has come such a long way but it’s also exciting to be able to reflect on the way we were approaching songwriting back then. I think we were definitely more traditional in that most songs had these big choruses and sing along moments and Abraham definitely sits in that world. Hopefully people can connect with that old approach”. And Abraham’s footloose whimsy was certainly no accident at the time, as vocalist and instrumentalist Jon Hart reflects, “It’s a bit of a time warp listening back to Abraham, I can remember where I was sitting in the studio when we recorded it and what life felt like back then. We’ve always been classic overthinkers in the studio, but I think that Abraham sounds pretty free and just like we went in and played it without labouring over it too much.”
With three new songs retrieved from the Harlequin Dream studio archives lying in wait on their upcoming EP, including the blissful Abraham, the jaunty emotives of Eye Of The Canyon and the neofolk charm of Mexico, the trip down Boy & Bear memory lane was not initially a journey the band had ever planned on taking. With all three tracks written by the band themselves, co-produced by Wayne Conolly, mixed by Phil Ek and mastered by Greg Calbi, the eventual road to Lost Dreams initially started with actual loss, with the EP’s finished singles seemingly lost in the void before the mastered files were saved and pulled from the depths. “We were all definitely aware of the songs’ existence,” says guitarist Killian Gavin, “but just like the growing folder of songs we never finish, I don’t think we ever thought they would see the light of day. We couldn’t find the files for the songs so we ended up speaking to Phil Ek (who mixed the album) to try and track down the mixes, then he put us in touch with the mastering team who were surprisingly able to track down the mastered files from 10 years ago!”. And, as bass player David Symes reveals, the unearthing of the seemingly lost tracks opened the floodgates to the Boy & Bear experience over a decade ago, “It’s like finding an old t-shirt in the bottom of the draw when you move house. Kind of like: wow, remember that!? It brings back memories and feelings from that time, everything from the light that filtered in through the window while we were recording, to the meals we shared at the end of the day.”
An organic expansion on the album that snagged multiple ARIA award nominations, a triple j award nomination and saw Boy & Bear achieve their first ever ARIA #1, as well as spawning the band’s breakout single, triple Platinum Southern Sun which has amassed over 80 million individual streams to date, Lost Dreams not only sonically expands on the Harlequin Dream universe established in 2013; its artwork also comes full circle, with Harlequin Dream’s artist Vaughan Flanagan returning to conjure the aptly dream-like Lost Dreams cover, as Gavin elaborates, “We came up with the elaborate concept and drew a mock up (very poor version compared to the final) – then we got the wonderful Vaughan Flanagan to do the heavy lifting and bring it all to life”. And as to the new cover’s concept, Hosking reveals, “We definitely came up with the concept of the artwork. We wanted it to feel dreamy to tie in with the title. There was an old film I can’t remember the name of, but it had all these cowboys attempting to tie down a T-rex which was pretty cool and that became part of the inspiration. I’ve always had a love too for anthropomorphism and wanted to embrace that to give the artwork this other worldly feeling”.
Since forming in 2009, Boy & Bear have consistently presented as a band focused on moving to the beat of their own drum, while also continually and effortlessly enamouring with their dulcet yet refreshing brand of indie rock. A band hellbent on creative curiosity and pushing themselves as musicians and songwriters, Boy & Bear have attained a level of staying power most artists could only dream of; and all without sacrificing their authentic vision and driving love for their craft. Achieving early career support from triple j and triple j Unearthed, Boy & Bear swiftly catapulted into national contenders, releasing their double-platinum debut album Moonfire in 2011, which went on to snag five coveted ARIA award wins. Since then, 2013’s Harlequin Dream and 2015’s Limit Of Love only strengthened Boy & Bear’s expansive presence, with both albums charting at #1, and Harlequin Dream marking the group’s second studio album to go Platinum. From 2019’s Suck on Light to 2023’s self-titled full length, Boy & Bear have continued to grow and strengthen professionally amidst the ever-changing musical climate – and there’s zero sign of slowing down anytime soon in the land of Boy & Bear, including a special 10 year anniversary Harlequin Dream vinyl set for release on Friday September 1 ahead of the Lost Dreams EP release two weeks later.
Having performed across the globe throughout their career, including multiple world tours and appearances at the likes of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Splendour in the Grass, Boy & Bear are equally capable and comfortable onstage to sold out crowds at the Sydney Opera House as they are performing on Conan O’Brien, and fans across Australia will be able to witness the insatiable past, present and future of Boy & Bear live in action later this year, with a huge regional tour that will kick off on September 13 in Castlemaine, Victoria, before closing out on November 26 at Queenscliff Music Festival in Victoria. With five shows already sold out, the upcoming Boy & Bear tour is set to be something truly special for all involved, as Symes shares, “Jumping up on the Band Stand and performing is a place where our songs can take on a new life and journey through the live experience. The journey of a band and a song is endless, and our live show is always evolving”. And there will be plenty of surprises as Boy & Bear continue their incredible journey into 2023 and beyond, as Hosking concludes, “A new refreshed set list of old and new tunes. It’s been fun already on the Australian tour piecing together some old songs we’d never really played alongside new songs off the new record. I like to think our set is like a train setting off. It starts off with a subtle momentum and by the end we are in full flight and feeling unstoppable.”
+ SHARES NEW MUSIC VIDEO FOR
‘HELICOPTER’ FT. TOMMY LEE SPARTA
Amassing over 30 billion streams to date, multi-platinum hip-hop heavyweight, Trippie Redd releases his highly anticipated album A Love Letter To You 5 via 10K Projects / Virgin Music Australia. Accompanying the project he shared the official video for ‘Helicopter‘ featuring Tommy Lee Sparta.
With 19 captivating tracks, A Love Letter To You 5 arrives after lead-in singles ‘Took My Breath Away,’ ‘Last Days‘ and ‘Left 4 Dead‘ introduced listeners to the smooth hip-hop flows backed by iconic samples that consume the entire body of work. Named one of Spotify’s ‘Top 50 Most Streamed Rappers,’ Trippie Redd tapped other hip-hop powerhouses like Roddy Ricch, Bryson Tiller, Kid Laroi and the legendary Lil Wayne to lend their verses on the rapper’s most classic and versatile work yet. The series that started it all back in 2017, A Love Letter To You has become a core centrepiece of Trippie’s catalogue, highlighting themes of love and relationships, with four previous iterations released in the last six years.
Earlier this year, Trippie released his surprise mixtape Mansion Musik, featuring the likes of Travis Scott, Future, Chief Keef and JuiceWRLD. The fan-focused drop zoomed up the charts instantly, coming in at #1 on Billboard’s Rap Albums Chart and #2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. It also debuted at #3 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart marking Trippie’s seventh consecutive Top 5 debut on the list. Additionally, the project saw 7 songs debuton the US Spotify Chart bringing Trippie’s total career entries to 143 songs – the 6th most of any artist.
ABOUT TRIPPIE REDD:
One of the most versatile and creatively daring artists in hip-hop today, Trippie Redd makes music that’s both wildly experimental and massively appealing. Since delivering his debut mixtape A Love Letter to You in 2017, the multi-platinum-selling, chart-topping rapper, singer/songwriter has continually defied genre boundaries, embedding his melodic take on rap with frenetic elements of rock-and-roll and heavy metal. And with his penetrating lyrics and nuanced but hard-hitting vocal performance, the 24-year-old Ohio native matches that endless ingenuity with a powerfully raw emotional impact.
Racking up over 30 billion streams to date and having seven consecutive projects land in the Top 5 of the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, Trippie Redd has evolved from budding Soundcloud rapper to a global powerhouse. Not only has he collaborated with some of today’s biggest names in music including Drake, Future, Travis Scott, XXXTENTACION, Juice WRLD, Travis Barker, Illenium, Marshmello and more, but he also made his acting debut during an episode of Lil Dicky’s critically acclaimed DAVE followed by an appearance on Machine Gun Kelly’s Good Mourning.
His 2021 album, Trip At Knight featuring single ‘Miss The Rage’ featuring Playboi Carti, brought a #1 debut on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and went on to amass over 3 billion streams, while his Mansion Musik mixtape followed, earlier this year, landing a #1 debut on the same chart. Named one of the ‘Top 50 Most Streamed Rappers on Spotify,’ Trippie Redd plans to continue to break boundaries and cement his status as one of the best in the game.
A Love Letter To You 5 Tracklisting
1. Take Me Away (feat. Corbin)
2. Last Days
3. Thy Motion
4. How You Alive
5. Thinking Bout You
6. Praying 4 Love
7. Reality
8. A Feeling (feat. Skye Morales)
9. Romantic Fantasy
10. I’m Mad at Me (feat. Lil Wayne)
11. Closed Doors (feat. Roddy Ricch)
12. Action
13. Left 4 Dead
14. Wind (feat. The Kid LAROI)
15. Helicopter (feat. Tommy Lee Sparta)
16. Took My Breath Away (feat. Skye Morales)
17. Flowers (feat. Bryson Tiller)
18. The Hate
19. Trip McKnight
ANNOUNCES EAST COAST HEADLINE TOUR – NOVEMBER 2023
Frontier Touring is delighted to announce Brit Award winner and Mercury Prize nominee Beth Orton will return to Australia in November 2023, with three East Coast headline shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.
Performing on stage with her full band, these will be Orton’s first live concerts down under in six years, with today’s tour news following the September 2022 release of Orton’s lauded latest album, Weather Alive – out now via Partisan/Liberator.
One of the most critically acclaimed records released last year, Orton self-produced the entirety of Weather Alive from her home studio in London, laying the foundations of the songs on an upright piano installed in a shed in her garden. The New York Times hailed Orton’s “modal vocal phrases and marvelling” stories – read their extensive profile of the album here – while Pitchfork named lead single ‘Weather Alive’ a Best New Track, calling it “a slow-burning tour de force”. Across eight songs Weather Alive hosts an incredible group of collaborators, including jazz poet Alabaster dePlume, The Smile drummer Tom Skinner, multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily, and Mercury Prize nominated bassist Tom Herbert of The Invisible.
‘This is as moving and real as Orton has ever been … Nestles somewhere between Talk Talk’s final years and Bill Fay’s late beauties, between Alice Coltrane’s intimate hymns and Fiona Apple’s softest moments… the musical richness only mirrors Orton’s astounding writing’ – ★★★★ MOJO
‘Orton’s best record in more than 20 years’ – ★★★★ Classic Pop
Well known for her mesmerising onstage presence and powerfully emotive vocals, in 2023 Orton performed at Glastonbury (a set described by The Guardian as “excellent”) and Primavera, recently wrapping a EU/UK tour including dates with The War On Drugs.
Orton’s hits, such as She Cries Your Name, Central Reservation abide in her set list… Weather Alive is an enormously exciting record’ – ★★★★ The Guardian
Orton and her five-piece band pulled the audience into their orbit with an absorbing performance that often made time seem to stand still’ – exclaim.ca
Across almost 30 years now Orton’s sound has shapeshifted from her output with The Chemical Brothers, Andrew Weatherall, Red Snapper and William Orbit, to a pioneer of an electronic, woozy brand of trip-hop. Over the course of her seven albums, Orton resolutely refutes categorisation, weaving from a hushed, folk-informed storytelling to dark, brooding esoteric experimentalism. Through all these different sonic explorations, Beth Orton remains a fantastically evocative songwriter, finding artist fans and collaborators in the most unlikely of places. Out of the studio, she’s shared the stage and mic with the likes of Patti Smith, Nick Cave, Sinead O’Connor, Flaming Lips and Beck.
For all the acclaim that fall Beth Orton’s way she continues to take the path less travelled in forging her next move. Don’t miss these shows; tickets on sale next week!
BETH ORTON
AUSTRALIAN TOUR
NOVEMBER 2023
Presented by Frontier Touring
FRONTIER MEMBERS PRESALE
via frontiertouring.com/bethorton
Runs 24 hours from: Friday 18 August (11am local time)
or until presale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Begins: Monday 21 August (11am local time)
Wednesday 22 November
Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Lic. All Ages
melbournerecital.com.au
Friday 24 November
City Recital Hall | Sydney, NSW
Lic. All Ages
cityrecitalhall.com
