Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Cookii!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
It’s weird because I think my sound developed over a period of a few years that kind of went totally undocumented. About 4 or 5 years ago I started making music that at that point I thought would be “cookii” – while these songs weren’t a million miles away from what cookii ended up being they were a bit more PC music and kind of simple. It was almost like after making a few pinnacle songs like “coca-cola”, “holiday” and “little” I kind of changed trajectory and it turned into what it is today pretty naturally from there on.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I kind of don’t get inspired by something specific most of the time. I think the thing that keeps me motivated and inspired is the idea of melding genres. I tend to start writing songs with a set genre in mind, for example: “our love” was originally titled “hardstyle type beat” and from that point forward I tried to shape it into my own pop not pop thing.
What can punters expect from a Cookii live show?
I haven’t played a show yet so I couldn’t be 100% sure but I’m in the process of getting the set together atm. I’m definitely going to try to make it as visually engaging as possible so will switch instruments and hopefully figure out some kind of set design cohesion. We’ll see though!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I think I’ve been told multiple times from multiple different people the same phrase of “stop worrying about what’s to come just live in the moment” or something along those lines lol. Super cheesy but I definitely need to hear that sometimes cause I’m a serial overthinker and jump to negative conclusions relatively quickly so it’s always a nice reminder for me.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Made For Silence' by Miiesha, how could you not be happy listening to that beaaatttttt my goodness
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Wanna Be Held' by Juice Webster, such a beautiful song. It always makes me super emotional whenever I listen to it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Cry' by Donatachi, biggest dang bop and what an insanely good cover. Iconic - forever obsessed.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I went to was Purient just a couple months ago in between lockdowns. Such a good gig, she’s a great performer and the music’s so so dope. I've always had a soft spot for witchhouse and seeing the similarities even if unintentional come through her music is so cool. I loved every moment.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Some big local inspirations for me would be I’lls (RIP) and Lonelyspeck. I remember going to that last I’lls gig and just being SO sad that they weren’t going to continue with the group. Legendary people, legendary music. I’ve never really heard anything like Lonelyspeck before and still haven’t since. I’ve spoken to so many people about them and it’s seriously mind boggling that they’re not at the top of the charts right this second. Inevitably going to blow up one day soon though – we’ll just patiently wait.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Working really hard on music and this next rollout. I’m so excited by all the stuff that’s being planned behind the scenes at the moment. 2021 is definitely gonna be a big one for cookii as a project – can’t wait to share!!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, YNG Martyr!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Music for me has always been an outlet, so I found that my sound developed alongside me as I grew up. When I was a younger kid I made alot of hype, in your face, aggressive music but that eventually morphed into a more nonchalant and melodic style.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Experience. I tend to have huge 2-3 month periods where I don't write a single song, then all of a sudden in one week I'll make 5-6 releasable songs. I think that's because during those 2-3 months periods, I'm just living and soaking up everything that's going on around me, and eventually those experiences force themselves out and into my music.
What can punters expect from a YNG Martyr live show?
Chaos.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It came from a book called Think and Grow Rich. "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit." I think about this quote alot, it's beautiful. It puts life into perspective, it shows that no matter how far that pendulum swings it always comes back the other way.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Blues' by Olive Amun. There's something so soothing about a bitter sweet track like this (also props to ayotraee on the stunning mix)
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Feel the same' by Reyko. It make me sad :(
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Spot the difference' by ONEFOUR. Can't go wrong with this one.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I went to Deadset Fest in Sydney at the Oxford Art Factory. I had a slot on the show alongside Nooky, Johnny from the burbs, BART XL and a heap of other crazy artists. The night was insane and Johnny had a cheese platter backstage for us which was perfect.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
My friends inspire the hell out of me, people like KILL Carter, REYKO, YNG One, YNG Frisby, YUNG SHOGUN, Riverine, BOY $COUT GATSBY, LOGAN M and countless others (love u all). The people that surround me and the people in the Australian music scene are freaks, they're insanely talented. I'm a very competitive person so having these people around me forces me to go as hard as I can.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
World dominance (and to celebrate life as much as I can)
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Pirra!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We love going down the rabbit hole with learning production and recording techniques, and that has played a big role in developing our sound. We’ve also spent a lot of time performing live together and we take note of what the audience reacts to, which also influences us.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
We often get inspired by other peoples music, there’s an amazing breadth of talent and creativity out there.
What can punters expect from a Pirra live show?
They can expect sweaty dancing and big sing alongs. We’ve worked hard to make our show combine electronic production with live instrumentation.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
When we worked with Sam Littlemore he actually told us we should write a band manifesto. He was pushing us to get a clearer picture of what it is that we truly want to say to the world. Even just having the conversation as a band gave us a greater sense of focus and intention.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Lil Bit' by Peking Duk, it’s all the best kinds of fun.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
As You Are by Kimbra. I know she’s technically from NZ but I’m hoping we can claim her for this one because Daniel Johns is listed as a co-writer so that’s close enough right?
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Control Your Body' by Pnau
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Northeast Party House were crazy good. They manage to incorporate all the best bits of live instrumentation with electronic production to keep the heart rate up while you sing your lungs out.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
We’ve been listening to Lazywax quite a bit lately, it’s all round good time music from a couple of sydney musos. We’d secretly love to play a show with them one day.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
So far the plan is to do some touring, release more music and work towards an album.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, The Last Martyr!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
When we started the band, we didn't want to pigeonhole ourselves. We all have so many different influences from prog to nu-metal, heavy rock and trap so from the start we set out to create music that was heavy, catchy and had a message to share.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Personally speaking, it's the ability to empower yourself and others through writing and performing. Music has been there for me when I felt like no one else was, and I've had people tell me before that my music has helped them get through some really tough times. As artists, I believe it's our responsibility to share how we interpret the world and help people feel less alone. The ability to help someone through my music, or even save a life, the way others have done for me is the main inspiration.
What can punters expect from a The Last Martyr live show?
We've been working really hard this year to put together a super energetic show now that gigs are back on! You can expect some raw and weird energy influenced by a lot of the 2000s nu-metal bands we love. I personally am a huge Chrissy Amphlett fan so sometimes I feel I channel her a bit - she's both pouty and tough. What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from? The best advice I've been given was from my Father who said in life to find what you love and figure out a way to get paid to do it.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Ask For The Anthem by Ocean Grove (you just can't help dancing to the verses and the chorus is smooth AF)
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
The Horses by Daryl Braithwaite (happy drunk crying)
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Get on the Beers by Mashd n Kutcher and feat. Dan Andrews (please stand for the Australian National Anthem)
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We saw our mates, rap-metal band, The Suburbs at the new Cherry Bar. It was a hectic and sweaty time.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
There are so many people in the local scene who inspire us - too many to name. It's been amazing watching everyone band together through the pandemic supporting one another and seeing different businesses and bands pivot.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
We have a tour that will be announced soon coming in early September and are playing Halloween Hysteria Festival on 23 October! We also have more new music to be released ahead of our EP 'Purgatory' dropping later in the year. But you can hear it before it's dropped by heading to a show!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Godlands!
What can punters expect from a Godlands live show?
Expect the unexpected and then expect sweat and potential injuries but like the good injuries that were totally worth it. Also potentially getting grog poured down your throat by yours truly.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
'Zon’t zo it, zon’t, zon’t zo it' - Nicki Minaj. It’s probably not exactly life advice but I think about it a lot.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Out my face' by me! Hehe. It’s just one of those songs that makes you happy just jumping around. Then I’d give them a shot and flash em and say “ya can’t cry when you’ve been flashed, I don’t make the rules”.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, ZAN!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I grew up on 90s hindi-urdu songs, ghazals, bollywood, electro-pop and r&b - so there was a lot going on from the beginning. my music is somewhere between those worlds.
I developed my sound by singing what I love, as so much south asian music is melodic. Tv shows like rage completely changed music for me, as there was just so much to discover and sing along to as a kid.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Other human beings; I love listening to stories. And community. So much of my music is dedicated to the resilient communities I am a part of.
What can punters expect from a ZAN live show?
Tender moments, sweaty moments, and a lot of singing!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“If you have asthma, never sleep on carpet”… guess who!
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Respect Yourself' by Kid Dingo!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I don’t wanna make people cry! 'Falling' by Bumpy. It’s so beautiful.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'He Knows' by Mei Saraswati! Timeless!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Josh Hooke at Tempo Rubato. Is it cheating if I work there? It was a beautiful night.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
So many. I work at a little classical music venue, so there’s a constant influx of inspiration. As a diasporic person however, my community is always connected to another land, another home.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
That’s a secret… but yes, more music!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Pacific Avenue!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our sound is the product and fusion of each of our music influences, we all started with slightly different tastes in music, With Harry growing up on the Beatles and the Stones, Jack coming from zeppelin and Floyd, Ben goes nuts for Silverchair, and Dom bringing it home with Australian classics like Powderfinger and Crowded House.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Being young and quite impressionable we’re all big suckers for love, which is a main theme in a lot of the songs. All of our writing is just a reflection of what we experience in life, dealing with everything that comes with the ups and downs of youth.
What can punters expect from a Pacific Avenue live show?
One hell of a party. We have tried to develop our live show so that there is minimal silence and maximum rock and roll. We often dive into a few interlude jams between songs and throw in a cheeky cover at times. We like to take you on a journey through the set which starts with a bang, hits the ballads in the middle, and erupts at the end like a viscous volcano.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I met Dave from Gang of Youths a couple of years ago in a record store when our band was starting, they were playing that album that got massive but all stripped back. I was saying to him how the album really struck a chord with me and it would be a dream just to support them one day, and he said if you want something bad enough, no matter what it is, you can get it, if you put in the time and you can play then its going to happen. It was really simple advice, but sometimes it just takes hearing something like that at the right time and it can really stick with you. So thats probably the best advice off the top of my head.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Would definitely have to chuck on ‘Lightenup’ by Parcels. No matter what mood I am in, every time this comes on in the car a big old smile appears on my face and people at traffic lights stare whilst I gyrate in the drivers seat.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Will Wagner from Smith Street has a song called ‘Laika’ and that’s definitely one of the saddest songs I’ve heard, It’s a song in first person about a dog that gets sent into space without any way of getting back, the thought of the dog trying to understand whats going on and being lonely is a really heavy thing, but the song itself is really sweet and well done.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
I'm not sure if you can pass JET, and probably ‘Are You Gonna Be My Girl’. If you everyone is really into it, or even if they’re not actually I’m sure they would be by the end of the song, nothing wrong with a classic.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local show I saw was SAM ALLEN at beaches hotel in Thirroul, Sams got probably the most amazing voice I’ve ever heard and has really powerful anthemic music accompaniment, even in a crowded pub the room was all silent and hanging off everything he’s doing. We’ve been lucky to have him come along to a few of our shows and play acoustic guitar and harmonise with us which is very cool, so if you can imagine Jeff Buckley and Matt Corby had a love child, thats Sam. Check his stuff out, it's unreal.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
We have stacks of mates in the local area who perform in bands and inspire us every day. Hanging out with a bunch of like minded people and sharing similar dreams is definitely one of the main factors which has driven and inspired us the most. Our good mates ‘The Vanns’ gave us the opportunity to support them on a stack of shows in earlier years and their stage show really inspired us to develop our own and create something which captivates and involves the audience. Hanging around with lads like these makes you feel like you are right where you are meant to be and keeps the fire within the band burning bright.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Well we have about an albums worth of songs recorded so we will release a few singles, run a couple of tours and then hopefully drop the body of work by the end of the year. We are super pumped to get back on the road so we are planning some pretty big Australia wide tours for the second half of the year. Can’t wait to get out there and have a dance with everyone!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Tilly Tjala Thomas!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Experimenting. Working with producers.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Culture. Political issues.
What can punters expect from a Tilly Tjala Thomas live show?
Soft, dreamy, relaxed vibe.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Pace yourself.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'The Less I Know The Better' by Tame Impala
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'How To Make Gravy' by Paul Kelly
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Down Under' by Men at Work
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Bernard Fanning at Summer Sounds. Excellent
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Tame Impala, Thelma plum and Memphis LK.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Release more music.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Yb.!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t take a little bit of inspiration from amazing indie acts in the scene, but my sound in particular came both being exposed to music at and very young young and my experiences growing up in Australia.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Honestly I’d say my greatest source of inspiration comes from my friends and family. I find that when I’m around them I’m constantly thinking of cool things to explore in the music sphere.
What can punters expect from a Yb. live show?
They can expect a bit of everything. My music ranges from rowdy to chill and everything in between. If you’re down to lose yourself for a little bit I suggest you come along :)
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Don’t be too precious. I remember asking Tom Misch for some advice a while back about the industry and that’s all he said. It has never left me till this day.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'LNT' by Stevan
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Pyro' by Budjerah
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'R U HIGH' Feat. Mallrat by The Knocks
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I went to watch the Order Sixty6 show after mine at the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl! They really know how to put on a show, plus I met a bunch of cool artists around too.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I’m inspired by too many to count but just naming a few; I’m super into, Mallrat, Golden Vessal, Spacey Jane, Wigz, Stevan, IIIconic, Sycco and King Ivy. I better stop myself before I go on for hours haha.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
I plan on releasing a single or two and hopefully ending a good year with an EP!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Spinnabago!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Maybe not the answer you’re looking for but the main inspiration is not to have one main source of inspiration for the music. I’m inspired by so many different artists and different genres. I value diversity and variety in music so my focus is on trying to make each song different.What can punters expect from a Spinnabago live show?
Punters can expect Hugh, Jordan, Nick, Sam and Declan to go hard at the footy when it comes to a performance. We normally do an entrance song which is performed differently each time in a different arrangement. Sometimes the Wrestling Mask which is always a stage prop of the band comes on.What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Apart from the obvious best advice from my parents, brother and sister, it would have to be from soccer coaches and playing the beautiful game over the years. Perhaps not advice, but they instilled passion, drive, work ethic, team work, practice and more. I’d encourage everyone to play team sport.What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
One of the songs that makes me cry is Victorian turned Tasmanian artist Sam Scholfield and his song 'Love is a Duel'. His album has a CW Stoneking vibe and his lyrics are poetic, pure and beautifully tragic.You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I went to was a jazz gig at Pablos Cocktails and Dreams in Hobart. I watched the Billie Raffety quartet a very talented outfit. Pablos is one of the venues that is building an awesome jazz scene and has created an opportunity for young upcoming jazz artists in Hobart.Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
One of the Hobart bands of the music scene that inspire me is the Punk band The Hudson Cartel. I’ve known the band leader Mathew Burns (Burnsy) for a long time through the music and soccer scene and he’s always been the nicest and most uplifting father figure passing on his wisdom. They are such prolific songwriters with awesome music and giant energy on stage.What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Eluera!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started playing acoustic guitar when I was 14 and shortly after started busking around my hometown. I was turning a lot of pop songs into sad folky songs. Then when I started doing sessions around 18-19 it took me a while to figure out exactly what sound I wanted the songs to have as I was listening to heaps of different genres. Eventually we came to the alt-pop production we have now, paired with very lyric forward song writing!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Definitely just what ever is going on in my life. I find it really hard to write music when there is nothing uncomfortable happening to me haha. So writing from my life experiences is almost like therapy to me and I love that I can turn my emotions or experiences into songs I love!
What can punters expect from an Eluera live show?
A mix of track and live band, lots of dancing, huge drums, and a few emotional moments chucked in too.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I cannot remember for the life of me who told me this but I think about it all the time. "Always be true to yourself because no one else can give exactly what you have" I find myself comparing myself to other people or artists a lot of the time so this has helped me to be comfortable in myself and confident in my own music as well
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Fred Astaire' by San Cisco!!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Too Late' by The Paper Kites
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' by Kylie Minogue (THE BEST)
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The Million at Waywards! One of my first standing gigs back, so fun to dance again!
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I'm so inspired by all the women doing amazing things in music right now, some of my faves are CXLOE, Shannen James and Eliott, all killing it and making incredible music. As well as my producer Dylan Nash, he is always inspiring me to do better because he is a robot who has been programmed to make the best music you've ever heard and he literally never stops working.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Finish the Sloan Peterson tour and then hopefully do some more shows, release a few more songs and maybe an EP but whoooooo knows!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Olive Amun!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’d say my music is very autobiographical and honest. I mainly developed my sound by spending countless nights in the studio just working away and trying to get better. Also constantly experimenting with a lot of different styles definitely helped too.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
These days it can really come from anywhere and anything. But at the moment I’d say what is inspiring me the most is going out and experiencing more of the world again after being stuck in lockdown for so long.
What can punters expect from a Olive Amun live show?
They can expect me and my band to deliver a super diverse set which will either have you jumping and turning up, or slow dancing and waving a lighter up in the air.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It was from my homie Charlie Threads, he told me to be successful in music people either have to believe you or want to be you.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Rapunzel' by Drapht
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Used To' by Olive Amun
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'You Always Know the DJ' by Allday
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was my own gig last month with some of my good friends as the support acts. It was amazing to see so many people in a room again enjoying some great local music.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, smol fish!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Telenova!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Ange: Someone threw three strangers in a room together and Telenova is the sound that came out. Sounds crazy, but that’s really how it happened.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Ed: New music. Sounds silly, but when you discover a new song that really hits you in that sweet spot, it’s almost like ‘right, that’s now the standard I want to be at, I’m going to work harder to try and get to that place’. At first it can be kind of demoralising hearing something that’s red hot, but then an almost competitive nature comes out, which leads to hard work.
Ange: It’s people, actually. Connection with people. Whether that’s your band, or whether that’s in a live show, where you’re essentially re-creating the magic of when you first wrote that song, but with other people in the room; or whether it’s feeling so much pain for someone you love and needing to put that into music and lyrics to capture something of how you feel and communicate that somehow to reach through to them. To me it’s much more abstract and profound than just sounds and melodies. Inspiration comes from the people I’m alive with.
What can punters expect from a Telenova live show?
Ange: a magical mystery tour with the addition of the occasional mini-stand up routine from Ed & Josh (that gets forced upon them every time I need to tune my guitar). You can expect a boogie. And very recently we started working on a bit of a mystical visual experience, it’s very exciting to be building that side of the show as well. Big dreams of where that can go in the coming months.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Josh: Not sure who it was from or if it's just an old cliche but basically all I think you need to do is keep turning up. I don't really believe in inspiration, to me it's just work, as long as you keep working regardless of whether you feel inspired or not things will happen. Magic moments are few and far between so in the interim you just gotta be chipping away, putting the hours in.
Ange: Do the best with the time you’ve been given. Think that was Gandalf maybe?
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Because I’m Me’ by The Avalanches. It’s a bonafide party starter, with a heartwarming film clip to boot.
Ange: To be honest I just agree wholeheartedly with Ed. Oh and maybe ‘The Less I Know The Better’ by Tame Impala, not because the lyrical content is at all full of cheer - but surely that riff will make anyone see the light. When you hear things that excellent, doesn’t it just make you happy and know that there’s
some good in the world??
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Ed: Has to be ‘My Happiness’ by Powerderfinger doesn’t it? Assuming they’re already emotionally fragile of course :)
Ange: Body by Julia Jacklin. Damn that song gets me. Also the arrangement of that song is perfect. You gotta wait 4 minutes for the hook! Bold.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Josh: 100% without fail it's always 'Love Is In The Air' by John Paul Young! I've seen it work so many times now it's silly. That song never gets old to me, the clavinet in verse two is fire, big time smash wedding slayer.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Josh: I'm sure I've been to plenty but the last one that kicked my arse was Tropical Fuck Storm. That band is white hot, they give me the rock n roll guilts, it's so confronting and honest, almost scary at times! Gareth Liddiard is an icon but the rest of that band hold their own. I love the female energy in the mix, it makes for such a unique flavour.
Ange: Haha, our last Bones tour show at Northcote Social Club was only last week, so does that count? Our supports were bloody good if I do say so myself. Thoroughly enjoyed sets from VALENTIN and Velvet Bloom. Both lead vocalists knew how to hold the tension in the room. I love that feeling at a live show. When the front person is just commanding the space so well. Chills.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Josh: I love what Surprise Chef and the College Of Knowledge label are doing, excellent musicianship and sick sounding records.
Ange: Oh, so many! Matt Corby’s ‘Rainbow Valley’ in 2018 was a huge stand out for me. Love the work he’s doing with Budjerah at the moment. BENEE (I was born in NZ too, do the Kiwis count as local? Surely some trans-tasman love is acceptable). Sycco with the sultry voice of a smokey jazz bar goddess. Tame Impala, obviously. Just a genius. Loved Dope Lemon’s ‘Smooth Big Cat’ album. Big Slum Sociable fan. Lucky I get to be in a band with Ed and absorb his talents into the Telenova project. The Avalanches. Julia Jacklin. We’re a talented little island over here in Australia it seems.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Josh: I just wanna keep on working! We want to have our debut Telenova record done by the end of the year, keep the releases coming, the ball is rolling now so we gotta keep going while the going is good.
Ange: Record the album. Write the next one. Play lots of live shows for the people we love. Make them special. Direct some more music videos for Telenova (*spoiler alert*). Make magic. Outside of the world of Telenova my 2021 plans are have more romantic dinners and light more scented candles and have longer baths."
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, iiiConic!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started making music is a really young age. I started by recording on my Mum’s laptop, basically just playing around with software to try and find my sound. When I developed into a teenager, that’s when I started taking music more seriously and started pursuing it as a passion.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
At the moment, I’m really inspired by Indie-pop music. The chords are usually really captivating and that gives me the energy and inspiration to hop in the studio and make my own music.
What can punters expect from an iiiConic live show?
They are very high energy because of my type of music. I’m writing different types of music at the moment so for the next show, expect different types of vibes throughout my set.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice I got was from one of my friends. He told me to focus on my own life and make music that makes ME happy rather than others. Ever since he told me that, music has felt different and I can actually enjoy the production process.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I would suggest a song called ‘Stay’ by my little brother ‘Yb.’ - His music is super groovy and always has a positive message.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I would probably suggest ‘Hollywood Love’ by ‘Ash Minor’
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Definitely 'Home and Away' by ONEFOUR.
What was the last local gig you went to?
The last local gig I went to was my brother Yb.’s first-ever show at Mountain Goat Valley Crawl.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I am inspired by young people pursuing music in Australia, and even better, my own city. It helps grow the music community in Australia.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
I have a lot planned. I’ve been a little silent for a while but I can’t wait to show you what I’ve got to come. Expect a different direction in my music, I guess that’s all I can say...
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, THE BLOSSOM!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’ve developed my own sonic language through exploring so many different facets of my influences. Collaborating and carving into my songwriting. i like to think I’m inspired heavily by a lot of influences but challenge myself to not be defined by them. That to me is how I continue to explore my project.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The fact that music is my only form of language that truly feels like it embodies my honest self.
What can punters expect from a THE BLOSSOM live show?
ENERGY. SWEAT. FREEDOM. HEAD BANGING. TEARS.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
To create from a place of honesty, to put that as a priority always. Lead through gut instinct and to use that as compass.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Don’t Change' by INXS
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Delete' by DMA’s
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'The Difference' by Flume featuring Toro Y Moi
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I went to Kanye West’s Sunday service in LA. And it was such an incredible and moving experience.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Because I spend time between Sydney and LA I’m lucky enough to be so inspired by both communities. In Australia really love The Neighborhood Void, The DMA’s, Daine, Perto, LonelySpeck. And in LA I’m fortunate to collaborate with Brockhampton and Zach Fogarty as well as so many other incredible producers, artists and friends.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
To keep on releasing more music!!!! I have more singles and my EP for the year to follow.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Weightless!
Tell us about your sound? How did you develop your sound?
Initially “A sound” was developed by Brenton when he was creating what would become “Turn the page” in his bedroom at home. Once the band formed with all members locking in their place within the band and bringing all of their own influences to the table this would come to form the sound that weightless is becoming to known for.
Greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Lived experiences, the values and principals we choose to live our lives by, the people who mean the most to us and all of the bands we’ve been influenced by when growing up. We just want to make fun music that people resonate with and can scream along to while showing off their best pit moves.
What can punters expect from a Weightless live show?
People that come out to see weightless live can expect to see a group of 4 guys giving every ounce of energy they have left to give the audience an unforgettable experience with members of the band occasionally joining the crowd in the pit.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given? Who was it from?
The best advice we have been given as a band was from the guitarist of Windwaker Jesse Crofts who gave us the advice of always staying true to ourselves and to make sure we are utilising every members strengths to our advantage to give us the best chance at success.
What Australian track would you play to cheer someone up who is crying?
'Dominos' by Last Dinosaurs
What Australian track would you play to make someone cry?
'Colourless' by Windwaker (The guitar solo will sucker punch in the heart strings)
You’re the DJ at a party the dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you out on next?
'Home among the gumtress' by John Williamson
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Ben - Laura Hyde “It was absolutely incredible”
Brenton & Riley - Windwaker “A mesmerising experience”
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you?
We have been inspired by all the local up and coming bands we have had the pleasure to encounter through our journey so far. Their passion and drive is really inspiring which helps us to push ourselves more.
We are also inspired by and thankful for triple j Unearthed and triple j for providing a massive platform for lesser known bands such as ourselves and many others to be able to bring our music to the table and be shared with a loyal listener base.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Jordy Maxwell!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My music focuses very much on telling a story, creating images and dealing with missing those around us that we don’t see much anymore, if at all. I tried to explain to someone my music and all I could come up with was "emotional folk bangers".
I guess I developed my sound mostly in the studio. Taking the songs into the recording studio as a raw acoustic song and adding more elements as the day goes on is usually the style I like to make the songs grow more naturally. It’s a very stressful way to develop songs, but it seems to work for my sound and feel.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My greatest source of inspiration would have to be being able to perform to an audience. I’ve always admired those that were able to captivate a crowd and have people absolutely drawn to every word, every song, every move.
Being able to share experiences and talk about life before a song and then get to play that song is also one of the most special feelings. It’s nice to know that music and being open about the songs can be helpful in some way with people.
What can punters expect from a Jordy Maxwell live show?
A god damn rollercoaster of emotions haha... People can expect a show with a lot of energy and emotion. I’ve always focused on making my shows very special and captivating. Whether that’s through sharing open and honest stories or making shit jokes about my tyres being slashed. I want people even though life does get in the way sometimes, not to take themselves too seriously. Through all the hard times, it’s good to be able to be in a room together and dance, sing along and let it all go, even if it is just for a little while.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
‘Don’t give a shit about what anyone else thinks and just write from the heart’ - Nick Cunningham when I first met him in 2018.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Old Man Emu’ by John Williamson.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Jeez, get me on the red wines and I could be here for days telling you my sad songs. I’d probably play them all for you and explain why they're sad...then cry myself.
‘Go Farther in Lightness’ the Unplugged version by Gang of Youths
‘It’s Not Like You’ by The Paper Kites
‘It’s Been a Long Old Time’ by Jack Davies
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Boys Light Up’ by Australian Crawl
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I was fortunate enough to be able to see Lime Cordiale when they were here in Perth a few weeks ago. I was taking footage, so I saw most of the show from the side of stage. It was an amazing show. Love the boys style and charisma on stage, very inspiring. And some of the nicest guys around as well.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
The person that has inspired me and pushed me the most to keep writing and playing music is Michael Dunstan. We became mates back in 2017 and since then, Mike has always been there and helped me with recording, pushing me to play my own shows, listening to new songs, offering advice on tours and just being the most supportive person of my music. A very inspiring person for me no doubt.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Apart from being back on the tools as an electrician, I’m recording new songs in April, which will be good! I’m planning on playing a couple more band shows in Perth over the next couple of months. The second half of the year will hopefully involve an east coast tour (depending on border situations obviously). I manage myself and sometimes that causes me to think too much about things and not organise shows very well. So hopefully I can improve on that this year and play some beautiful shows all around the country and share my new music. I love heading east and seeing new and familiar faces
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Vetta Borne!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’ve grown up listening to a lot of soul/rnb. I also write/produce for other artists, which had me fall in love and appreciate pop music. It’s been a long journey of writing to bring my roots of soul back into my own music.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My greatest source of inspiration are my emotions and my imagination. I’m always translating my feelings into sounds and words. It could be the smallest thought and I’ll exaggerate it into a whole story. I’m just so in love with creating that I’ll just start writing until I find inspiration along the way.
What can punters expect from a Vetta Borne live show?
You can expect a lot of body rolling and lot of feeling yourself. You can expect to feel your sexiest and most confident self in a safe space filled with like-minded people. That’s the energy I will be giving at all of my shows, and hopefully you’ll feel that too.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice I’ve been given was from M-Phazes when I first started out in Aus music. He said “Don’t wait too long for things to be “perfect”. A song is never finished, you just run out of time to work on it.”, basically saying that you’re actually holding yourself back if you’re holding onto an idea for too long.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Shook' by Tkay Maidza. This will definitely make you forget everything for 2:42 minutes, or more if you just keep it on repeat like I do.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Miss Shiney' by Kaiit. Something about her voice is so comforting. It’s like a warm hug and a cup of tea.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Kito, Vanjess, Channel Tres - Recap. I think Kito is one of my favourite producers at the moment, you can’t help but bounce to it.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The Operatives threw an event at Melbourne Museum with a few local performers. The acts included artist like Jordan Dennis, Sophiya, Khiarra, It was so heartwarming to hear live music again, and felt good to be dancing outside of my bedroom again!
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I love how much soul Melbourne naturally carries. Artists like Kaiit and Ojikae, producers like Uno Stereo and 18YOMAN, living in their truth and making the music you know they embody will always inspire me.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
I have another EP coming out very soon, mostly self-produced! This EP is definitely a lot more pop leaning than the first project I released. I also plan on playing some live shows this year and filming some live content too.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, LÂLKA!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I make pop music with lots of glitches and exaggerated sounds; "hyperpop" is a term often used to describe my music. When I was starting out I wasn't able to find band members to stick with me, so I depended on my laptop to make music and that's how I ended up with my sonics. Also, drum machines (unlike drummers) have no ego.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I'm always inspired by other artists, so I can't say that I have ONE GREATEST source of inspiration. I like to make sure I'm across popular culture + music, read a lot, watch movies and stay curious.
What can punters expect from a LÂLKA live show?
A cardio workout. Seriously. My music is not meant to be consumed standing still.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I used to be really self-conscious about my singing voice, but Rromarin (Kult Kyss) helped me realise the uniqueness of my voice. She actually told me that I shouldn't take any singing lessons bc it'll just polish out all the unique qualities of my style and timbre. Rromarin is one of the best vocalists in AU (and the world) IMHO and to have her validate my voice meant a lot.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Depends why they're crying?
If it's bc they're being bullied: my track 'Make U Nervous' - it's about being aware of one's own power and how it makes others wary of you. Take back your power, make them quake in their boots!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
This might sound weird but 'Alight' by Ninajirachi. It's not a sad song, but you know how it kinda hurts when you're obsessed/have an intense crush on someone???? That sentiment of being so infatuated but it's all inside your mind and they probably don't know is kinda bittersweet.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Atomic Blonde' by LÂLKA (feat. BRUX) - that drop is meant to make every ass on the DF shake.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I went to a festival on Boxing Day 2020. I'm usually pretty depressed around Christmas time (it's complicated) so I decided to go to a festival and do a solo rave. It was cathartic.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
- Tim Shiel - his conversations always provoke me to consider my own artistic practice
- The people who have worked so hard on independent music publications (shout out Emma from Purple Sneakers and Hayden from Pilerats, for example) - their FB pages got Zuck'ed recently, but I've always admired the way they had spent years taking the time to search for and break emerging Australian artists
- Nina Las Vegas - she is an amazing curator, and her contributions have made such an impact on the AU music scene
- Kučka - for carving her own sonic path
- Tkay Maidza - for absolutely killing it, doing her own thing!
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
I'm gonna do a worldwide livestream on 20th March of me performing new music (as in, in real-time, not pre-recorded) and with augmented reality visuals. I've missed performing soooo much after what 2020 served us, so I am really looking forward to this! After that I'm gonna knuckle down and finish my next body of work (that I've already started). On the frivolous front, I'd really like (but probably can't afford) to get a pair of high-end designer sneakers (Balenciaga is my top preference) so if there's anyone out there who feels generous, HMU.
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