This week on triple j Unearthed we're featuring Melbourne talent, Shannen James.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My sound is always developing and changing but I feel really happy and proud of where I am now with what I’m making. I hear my sound as though it’s a soundtrack to a warm, dreamy summers arvo. At the heart of my music is relatable songwriting that explores universal themes. Some of my main influences that have made an impact on the sound and music I’m creating are Fleetwood mac, Tame Impala, Sarah Blasko, Haim, The Japanese house just to name a few.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Just the way it makes me feel. I know that sounds cliche but it’s true. I wouldn’t be making music if it didn’t make me feel good. But the inspiration for my music comes from all places in my life, my own personal life, family, friends, movies, nature, books and all the rest it! Sometimes the most mundane things are the most inspiring and intriguing.
What can punters expect from a Shannen james live show?
A Shannen James show can come in a few forms, solo, duo or full band. Some tunes, some laughs, some tears and some beers (or beverage of choice).
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
From my dad - ‘Be yourself cause everybody else is taken’ .. I think that was from a song but it’s his favourite saying and it’s so relevant!
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Its Nice to be Alive' by Ball Park Music
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Soon' by Angie McMahon.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Are you gonna be my girl' by Jet.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Grinspoon and Eskimo Joe at the tennis. They were both incredible live bands to watch and like they were playing for the first time with so much energy and conviction. The crowd was moshing and I love that there were younger people there who might not have heard them who are now fans!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Angie McMahon. I’ve known angie for years and I am so inspired by her as a person and a musician. Seeing her grow into the artist she is now has been one of the most inspiring and motivating things for myself as an artist. Lanks too. Will is one of the most incredible people and songwriters I have ever met. He is so genuine in every aspect of his life, musically and personally.
What are your plans for 2020?
Lots more music, lots more gigs, lots more laughs and lots more love.
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Featured Artist
2020
17
Feb
The Moving Stills
(- #Alternative ,
- #indie ,
- #chill , ...
Central Coast, NSW
Direct from Macmasters Beach, The Moving Stills are this week's Feature Artist!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Pool Party on the Moon vibes with lazer light beams and blow up flamingos, set in the 90s. We are often trying new things and shifting things to see what works etc. We've been listening to a lot of Beck and Jungle Giants, so we've been moving towards a bit more of that and playing around with Synths and Keys. We've all been mucking around with that in the last year or so which has put a new thread through everything.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
A bit of everything. We've all got day jobs and that experience makes its way into the songwriting and also drives us to make music. Those photos taken from behind the drummer/band looking out to a crowd at festival or the like, or hearing a song that connects with your emotions or taste really well is also pretty inspiring, but seeing a band live that really connects with you gives us huge drive. We just want to make music that'll have an impact with the people that listen to it.
What can punters expect from The Moving Stills live show?
A bit of hair, good pair of sunnies, a shaker or two... and maybe a few Flower T shirts in the crowd.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Some of the best advice was from Ollie of Lime Cordiale, It was along the lines of, just to keep going and to keep at it. Feels like that’s been pretty key and will continue to follow that.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Marinade by Dope Lemon or Feeding the Family by Spacey Jane are pretty uplifting tracks we think.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Maybe So We Know By DMA’s or Seaweed by Hockey Dad, there’s a lot of heart in these tracks.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Pizza Guy by Touch Sensitive
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local gig we saw was Kim Churchill at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford, was a great vibe and he’s legend.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Central Coast music community that inspire you.
Everyone’s sort of chipping away doing their thing and when a gig is on it feels like you’ll see people from all different bands there. There’s been some cool bands/Artists from the Central Coast that have done some inspiring stuff like E^ST, Ninajirachi, Winterbourne and Something With Numbers to name a few.
What are your plans for 2020?
We are currently working on a bunch of tracks, looking to have an EP out around mid year and a single or two before hand. We are also heading out on a Co-headline Tour with our friends Teenage Dads through March and April which will be a heap of fun.
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This week's feature artist Memphis LK is fusing club and pop sounds with glorious results.
This week's feature artist is Melbourne rapgod Agung Mango.
This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Sydney legends, 100. Check out their Q&A below.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’d say our music is a scuzzy breed of post punk and singer songwriter influences. The sound developed from our different influences and musical backgrounds and long hours in the studio figuring all that out.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I think the greatest inspiration for making music is coming up with something that you want to here. You kinda take the best bits of everything you like and put it all together.
What can punters expect from a 100 live show?
Our live show has a pretty stand and delivery approach. Turn it up and have fun I say.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
A stranger came up to me at last year’s BIGSOUND before our final show of the week. I think I looked a bit stressed, probably a bit taxed from the week. He came up and said ‘don’t worry about the people in the room or how many of them there are, just get up and play a great show’. It was a super nice gesture and had me calm afterwards. Other then that Mum and Dad always said to do what makes you happy. Makes sense really.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Maybe I’d go with ‘That’s All’ by Melbournes RVG. To me it’s like a big squeeze that confirms one’s insecurities are real and that it’s completely fine to have them. The grass is always greener.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Feather’ by Brightness. I don’t need to say anything about it. Just go and listen to it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Hit and Run’ by Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons. Or ‘Summer of 81’ by Mondo Rock. Lets get daggy.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local show I caught was Sydney’s ‘The Good Boys’ at the Vic on the Park. Amazing Instrumental surf rock (think ‘The Shadows’). 6 guys on stage wearing cloaks; all amazingly talented musicians. The compositions that main guitarist Andy writes are mind blowing and absolutely beautiful. Well worth checking them out on Spotify or they have Vinyl available via bandcamp or at shows.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
I find this tough to answer. There are too many people in this city to pin point - bands, artists, bookers, engineers and even bar staff who all do their bit in making Sydney’s music community so great. Sydney tends to cop a lot of flack but if you go out and look, you’ll find great acts at great venues. Special shout to frequent gig goers, there’s nothing there without them.
What are your plans for 2020?
As our drummer Paris would say - ‘Pull up and wreck’. In all seriousness though, we’re in the midst of completing EP number 2. A few festival shows like Party in the Paddock, Brisbane’s Valley Crawl, Farmer and the Owl plus Meadow in Victoria. A tour to coincide with aforementioned EP and hopefully some more festival shows. After all that I dare say we’ll be hitting Album mode!!
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Gold Coast artist and Laneway comp winner, DVNA!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My music is forever evolving and still developing each day. The music I make depends on the mood im in and on whatever stage of life I’m at. I lean towards soul/ rnb beats, although, have a guilty pleasure in making super raw emotional guitar tracks. Each serve their own purpose. Once my music leaves my computer, it’s for the world and my listeners to use at their own discretion.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Inspiration hits different all the time. I either bait my friends into giving me their deepest hurts and secrets so I can write some emo/empowering lyrics, or it’ll be a song I hear that I’ll want to try and create the same vibe. Places and things (like food, obviously) have inspired me in the past.
What can punters expect from a DVNA live show?
We’ll be getting to know each other. Crowd interaction is one thing I love to do. Partly because I love to chat, and because I want to break that wall between audience and stage. Connect on a more personal level and create an experience they will remember.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Just do you! And when you’re hit with inspiration for a song, it’s like a gift you’ve been given to share with the world, as if it’s almost a duty. Think about the audience who NEEDS to hear what you have to say. It is your job to capture it, honour and respect the gift you’ve been given by allowing it to exist and not trying to force it into any direction it’s not. This was from some random old guy that sat next to me in a restaurant one day. Hit hard.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Chameleon'. by PNAU.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Innerbloom' by RUFUS DU SOL.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Untouched' by The Veronicas
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I saw my friends Hot Coffee play on the Gold Coast. Those boys always know how to put on a show. Quality night!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Gold Coast music community that inspire you.
They’re a friendly, talented little bunch. We all know and support each other due to the coast being quite small. They all actively participate in community events, always make an effort to attend each other’s shows and offer advice when needed! I love those guys.
What are your plans for 2020?
I plan to play LANEWAY (thankyou Unearthed). Release a couple of singles in lead up to my debut EP and follow with a few more exciting things!
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're featuring one of Sydney's most exciting producers, Taka Perry.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Aside from my own releases, I spend a lot of time in the studio producing and writing for other artists - here in Australia and also overseas - and as a result have worked on a wide range of genres and styles. I pick up all kinds of knowledge from these different collaborations, and my own music is somewhat an amalgamation of all of it. I’d describe my own sound as left-leaning R&B / hip-hop, but I’m not focused about putting a label on my music - it is what it is and if someone likes it then my job is done.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Inspiration hits me at the oddest of times, and I’ve learnt to chase the idea all the way through when I’m feeling inspired. From a production standpoint, I don’t have a set process per se - sometimes I start with a melody that I have in my head, other times browsing through various samples, and sometimes just jamming out on a piano. I’ll just keep tinkering around until I find that spark that inspires me to make the whole song.
What can punters expect from a Taka Perry live show?
Live guitar, live synths, live keys, guest appearances, high energy, good vibes…
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
‘Don’t be an a******’ - I can’t remember who I heard it from because it was so long ago, but it has stuck with me and it’s true not just in the music industry but just everyday life in general.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘WUTD’ by Genesis Owusu. The groove in that song is undeniable and I think it would definitely cheer someone up.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Love Me First’ by Stellie. The lyrics and melodies in that song is sure to make someone cry. I also had the pleasure of producing the song, so I guess it’s a bit of a shameless self-plug.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Contrast’ by ANH. I love how many unexpected twists and turns that song has and the production keeps you on your toes the whole time.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I saw my mate Kilter play at Oxford Art Factory. His live show is so dope - so much raw energy coming from the stage and when he brought out Lil’ Spacely for his latest single the vibe was so good.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
I’m constantly surrounded by talented people in Sydney that I couldn’t begin to list them all. I’m inspired by a lot of artists that I’ve worked with - A.GIRL, Jeida Woods, Ruel, Cyrus, Jack Gray, and Ned Houston to name a few. I also love what’s going on in the hip-hop scene out in West Sydney with artists like Manu Crooks, Cult Shotta, and Anfa Rose making some really cool stuff.
What are your plans for 2020?
I want to keep releasing music, both for myself and for other artists, play a whole bunch of shows, and travel the world a bit to expand my horizons and meet new people.
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Featured Artist
2020
6
Jan
Reside
(- Reside ,
- "Alternative ,
- "Alternative rock" , ...
Melbourne, VIC
This week on triple j Unearthed we're featuring our UNIFY comp winners, Reside!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
The music we've release so far I feel could be described as simply as "Alt Rock/Emo" but there's so many different influences that come into it. All of us have had such different musical upbringings but we all like the idea of not being tied down to any particular thing. I think that's sort of the punk attitude we have towards doing things. That could just simply come down to how we choose to arrange a song, or where we choose to get our inspiration from, or even how we choose to promote and present our art. It started off as us having a common interest in similar bands (Citizen, Basement, Movements, ect.).It's definitely evolved over time but it still always comes back to this idea of trying to do things that are a little against the grain of what ourselves, our peers and overall, people in our genre are doing.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
For me, when I'm writing music I want it to be authentic and honest. I want it to come from a real place, a real emotion and a real experience.The world and my experiences are my greatest source of influence. Tapping into mental health, relationships, the greater environment we live and traverse is something that I think people can relate too as well. When I'm making music and when performing it as well, I want people to feel the song and feel the emotions I was feeling at that time.
What can punters expect from a Reside live show?
As I said, I want people to come to a Reside show and really experience where these songs came from. It's high energy, theatrical and emotional in it's presence. We really encourage and welcome people to be involved and become a part of our goofy family. This year we're working hard to take our live show experience to the next level. Hope to see many fresh faces!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I remember once being told by one of my uni teachers to "always make your art raw and authentic and to always trust your instincts" and that's the way I've chosen to follow the path with Reside. It seems to have worked for us so far I think.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I couldn't imagine hearing a more positive and uplifting tune than 'Jellyfish' by Slowly Slowly. Love the atmosphere in the room every time it comes on, I'd have to play it to anyone feeling down.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Damn there's actually so many to choose from. Australia can produce some sad ones. I'd say first song that comes to mind is 'History' by WAAX, such a beautiful and emotionally dynamic song.Some honorable mentions go to 'Miss You Love' by Silverchair and 'Brando' by our friends in Parkville. Not because of any sad subject matter but because it's just such a beautifully crafted love song that it gives me shivers and makes my eyes well up whenever I hear it haha.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
If I'm DJing a party and I was chucking on an Australian tune, I'm putting on 'Need You Tonight' by INXS. It's so groovy you can't NOT dance to it and it's an absolute classic!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local show that I went to was a week or so ago at Inflation for an AM/PM Emo night where Pridelands headlined. Outloved and To Octavia opened and there was just a lot of friends there and overall good vibes going round. Every band that played that night was incredibly tight and put on a great show.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
It's super cool the music community not only in Melbourne but in Australia! It's so tightly knit and every one just has so much love and support for everything people do. I know collectively the band loves and respects bands like Thornhill, Parkwood, Weighbridge, Gravemind and Bad Juju in Melbourne to name a few. Tapestry who's recently now residing in Melbourne is another one that there's a mutual love for but every one all over Australia is creating such great music. These past 12 months in particular have been so incredibly exciting for music, particularly heavy music in Australia.
What are your plans for 2020?
In 2020 you can expect some new music from Reside. Can't say when at this point but we've been writing some interesting new music in the past 6 - 8 months and I'm really excited about it and excited to test some of it out at our live shows this year.
We're kicking off the year by opening the Saturday of this year's UNIFY Gathering which we're all collectively so psyched about!
We've also been offered some other amazing opportunities that we can't talk about just yet but we're all excited for what's to come in 2020.
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this week on triple j Unearthed, we're featuring Field Day comp winners Planet Vegeta
this week on triple j Unearthed, we're featuring Field Day comp winners Planet Vegeta
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Meet this week's Feature Artist Squid Fishing
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Sycco.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’d say Sycco (psycho) is maybe a blend of pop, neo-soul and psychedelia. I guess because I make everything myself the Sycco sound came from experimenting and blending different genre’s over the years. I’m still trying to work out what exactly it is to but I also don’t want be tied down to one specific genre and don’t think it has to!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I think the greatest source of inspiration would be that I don’t want to do anything other than music, there is nothing I love more than music, isn’t it just so great!
What can punters expect from a Sycco live show?
Colourful, vibrant, maybe a sensation of stank will overtake ur face in a good way?
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Sometimes u just have to kick the can down the road - Co Star App. HA I think that has been the best advice I’ve been given.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Probably like What Is Growing Up by Lime Cordiale, its just makes you feel so okay in my opinion.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
ye to Eye by Jordan Rakei for sure.. I’ve definitely cried to it - it’s quite a hectic song.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Lay down - Touch Sensitive or Catch Your Breath by Blossom - probably both.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I think the last one I went to was 30/70 in Brisbane, it was THAT good, my mind was blown.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brissie music community that inspire you.
The Brissie music community is so amazing and supportive. Everyone backs everyone and everyone wants everyone to succeed. I could go on forever but Felivand, Asha Jefferies, Hallie, First Beige and Great Sage are some of the most talented humans on earth and they all deserve everything that is coming to them. Back your friends and your local scene because they are AMAZING.
What are your plans for 2019/2020?
I have a few more shows for the rest of the year. 2020 is going to be so EXHILARATING, releasing a lot more music and playing a lot more exciting shows!
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Ballarat legends, Gangz!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Gangz music is um I guess they’re love songs, with a lot of drive, packed with dreamy pop elements and a bit of a nostalgic feel / Our sound has just come out like it is from different bands we like, I’m very into big swoony chorus melodies and it’s just come out like it is now, we don’t really wanna force anything, just let it happen naturally.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Our inspo comes from everywhere, I listen to alot of hip hop, kendrick, isaiah rashad old n.e.r.d but also love old love/heartbreak tunes mixed with some newer styles.. al green / millions / hockey dad / strokes.
What can punters expect from a GANGZ live show?
Our live show is pretty punchy from start to finish, we’ve got a few new ones in there that go pretty hard, couple swooners in there, should be pretty raunchy.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“Keep it simple” my old boss told me yonkers ago and it’s a pretty good rule when shit gets too heavy.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'The horses' by Daryl Braithwaite. iI’s a classic and ya just gotta sing every.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Northeast party house and their song 'Youth Allowance.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
White Bleaches album launch at old bar last week, very sick those guys are shredders.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We’ve just recorded an ep so a single will be coming out from that in December, a couple of big gigs in December/jan. And just keep recording and doing shows. We’re so stoked about our new stuff and ultra thankful unearthed is getting behind our music yewww.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Ballarat music community that inspire you.
Paddy from Karova, he taught me a lot about music & life. Michael belsar, he’s produced all of our new tracks, a crazy musician and will always be straight up with us
What are your plans for 2019/2020?
We’ve just recorded an ep so a single will be coming out from that in December, a couple of big gigs in December/jan. And just keep recording and doing shows. We’re so stoked about our new stuff and ultra thankful unearthed is getting behind our music yewww.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Jaguar Jonze.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Honestly, I guess it was a natural development of my multicultural background. I grew up listening to ballads on my mum's side, and country/folk music on my dad's side but then I would go and binge on alternative rock. So my sound just kind of evolved into this gunslinging, lamenting soundtrack which I use to show my personal emotions and adversities.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I lost my close friend years ago, and he would always tell me that I needed to live life passionately. I didn't understand what that meant until he passed away. When he left, he left behind his soul in poetry, films, artworks and heartfelt letters. Although, I didn't grow up making and playing music, it suddenly became my way of dealing with the grief of losing him, and that's when I suddenly understood what he meant and I found my passion. Now, my greatest source of inspiration to make music is, that it keeps me sane and peaceful.
What can punters expect from a Jaguar Jonze live show?
Well... I think the funniest write up I've seen is that the Jaguar Jonze live shows brings... "a manic stage presence, bending over backwards, writhing, crab-walking and altogether looking like she's possessed by some sort of musical devil." That sums it up pretty well, plus my band - Aidan Hogg, Joe Fallon and Jacob Mann are some of the most talented musicians and I'm super proud to have them by my side, they're a show on their own, but if you aren’t into manic possessed crab walking you can watch them instead haha.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"The best revenge is success." I guess this year, I've dealt with a lot of misfortunes and it was so hard to try and keep getting back up when the environment around me was trying to continuously pull me back down. The advice was actually from a tinder match hahah but he had been seeing things on social media and we became good friends and that was one of the many pieces of advice he gave me and it stuck. I didn't want my trauma or other people's actions to define where I was going so that really helped keep me rolling. I honestly am so grateful and in disbelief about what I've achieved this year and the different places I'm in now. Like, the fact that I'm Feature Artist this week still blows my mind. ARGH THANK YOU.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Who The Hell Are You' by Madison Avenue.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Into My Arms' by Nick Cave.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Don't Call Me Baby' by Madison Avenue. I've used her twice, because she's just the medicine that you want to deny, but know it works.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It’s so lame because I've been on tour with Lime Cordiale and the last 3 shows were in Brisbane. On the last day we had 2 in one day, an all ages matinee and then an over 18s show. We were just lounging around in the green room when Lime Cordiale found out that 3 of the kids from the underage gig had missed out on the matinee show because they read their tickets wrong. So they put on a show just for these three kids. It was probably one of my favourite tour moments to walk into The Triffid and find Lime Cordiale doing a special show for these 3 kids that missed out. And I mean everybody was on board, including the monitor engineer, FOH, lighting engineer and obviously the whole band. It was so heartwarming, and we all cried in the greenroom afterwards once we realised how much it meant to those 3 kids and their parents.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brissie music community that inspire you.
Actually the people in the Brisbane music community that inspire me the most at the moment are the ones behind the scenes. The sound techs, the guitar techs, the people who constantly work on their technical craft silently and then share it so generously to the bands who need it to put on these amazing shows. I don't know, I think it's something that I didn't realise was such a huge part of being in music until I started playing these bigger shows, I'm just so inspired by their wizardry.
What are your plans for 2019/2020?
We've just got touring left for 2019, I'm jumping onto the Hermitude Brisbane and Sydney shows this weekend to sing the Like A Version live, got another couple Lime Cordiale shows and a few festivals including.. FALLS FESTIVAL THANKS TO YOU GUYS UGHHHHHHH *animal noises*. But for 2020 it’s shaping up for an EP release, more singles and touring... abroad!!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, flowerkid!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your music?
I like to describe my music as my own personal diary. I sift through the inner feelings that i'm not able to describe and I filter that out into flowerkid. I develop this through listening to my inner voice and thoughts - I ask myself 'If this moment or feeling were in a film, what would it's soundtrack sound like?' I then shape my ideas around that.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Challenging myself with new experiences and visiting new places. Because with this comes new feelings, new memories, and new knowledge that could last a lifetime. With these things, I then am able to put myself into another perspective and/or time, and make my soundtrack.
What can punters expect from a flowerkid live show?
A completely surreal experience. I want my audience to feel like they are floating. I am always doing research into my audiences and finding the elements that make them feel!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
My beautiful Mum told me, 'the positive energy you put into your world, is the energy you will receive back in times you need it.'
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Seaweed' by Hockey Dad.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Eddy's Song' by Sticky Fingers.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Say It' by Flume.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Not a gig - but I went the the music festival Listen Out. Such an incredible vibe.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Sticky Fingers always manages to put me in a trance! They always stun me with their lyrics and their musical talent. I love listening to DMA's in the afternoon and on car rides - such a vibe.
What are your plans for the rest of 2019/2020?
Well my writing and creating never stops - so that is a constant for the new year. Before the end of this year, i'd like to finish up my new EP and a couple of singles, whilst exploring into some live performance scenarios.
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring This That comp winner and pop queen BOI.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I have been creating music and writing songs for many many years, and I think what has allowed me to develop my sound was listening to an eclectic mix of music growing up, finding songs that liven up my body and energise me or songs that do the opposite and pull on my heart strings and evoke an emotional response and asking what is it about that part in a song that made me feel like that . When ever I make music now for my own solo project, for me it’s just as much about the lyrics as it is the beat and I think having really heavy, sassy brass sounds with gentle, lightly plucked strings create an upbeat Rythym to sing about something that is actually terribly sad, melancholic (Sick of Loving you).
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
PEOPLE and PLACES. First things first I am one of those people who travels somewhere and doesn’t stop talking about “how beautiful” the place is. The environment I’m in directly affects my creativity and my creative output. Also people and stories, wether they are my own, or of someone else. It’s amazing to hear stories that move you, or make you feel inspired and a lot of the time I most enjoy writing with another person (producer) so I can get inspired by the sounds and beats getting made . Thats what I love about music though, songs can come to you at the strangest times. I heard KFlay’s “Sister” song when driving a few months ago. Its such a great song and for me that song inspired me to write a song for my sister - who in the past I wasn’t always the best of friends with - and I ended up writing a beautiful song for my sister after hearing that particular song.
What can punters expect from a BOI live show?
Expect the unexpected. HAHA. I can’t wait to perform at THIS THAT this weekend. What a TREAT. I’m definitely evolving my live show, it’s only been quite recently I’ve stepped up on the stage again so Im getting my groove back and building something wonderful that will give you an experience and not just a show. Im also such a lanky person, I manage to get so into the groove I move around the stage like a flappy flamingo - this is what you don’t want to miss.They’ll be fireworks, confetti cannons, dancing bears ….. yeah expect the un expected
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“Finish every song “ - Unknown
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Tracy Chapman - 'I’m Ready'
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Crowded House - 'Fall At Your Feet'
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
The Living End - 'Prisoner of Society'
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Went and saw A.GIRL at The Beresford (she’s a friend) and a killer artist. Check her out!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Newcastle music community that inspire you.
There are a lot of talented people in the Newcastle Community. Zackari Watt is someone who not only contributes so much to the art community in Newcastle, he is also a phenomenal singer and used to be the lead singer in a band MOUSEMOON that I was obsessed with at the age of 16. I met him years later just at a mutual friends house and tried not to fan out, but totally did, and ended up recording two tracks to post up on his “One song everyday for the rest of my life” challenge he set for himself. Red City is also a band I saw a while ago and is worth noting. The Lass O’Gowrie is the place to see a mixture of intimate, original acts .
What are your plans for the rest of 2019/2020?
I can’t believe this year is almost over. MAN! I am actually heading to LA in a few weeks for a writing trip with some insanely talented people. One of which is producer Justin Stanley who produced Prince’s last album . Thats going to be really inspiring and such a memorable trip. Next year I will be releasing more singles and hopefully playing at as many festivals around the country as I can. Then perhaps a little cheeky tour.
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This week on triple j Uneathed we're Featuring Newtown punks, SCABZ.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We describe our music as punk or pub rock, but I also try really hard to not sound the same as other bands that write punk/pub rock. I'd been singing in lots of other bands before SCABZ and always put on an American accent, I grew up singing musical theater and Jazz so it kinda came out that way when I started writing music. When we started SCABZ I made a conscious decision to break out of old singing habits and write more honest music.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
At the moment the feeling of impeding doom, and the cloud of anger that follows me around due to the systemic inequalities and injustices our most vulnerable face at the hands of the Australian Government. You know just gal stuff.
What can punters expect from a SCABZ live show?
Fun. A couple of yarns, a good dance, possibly a rousing rendition of Solidarity Forever depending on where the night takes us.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Don't take to much advice.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Depends on why they're crying? But lets stick with one band, if they're crying cause of some sort of relationship/family things Etereal Whoosing by Good Boy and if they're crying cause they're getting kicked out of their house or fired or cut off from cenno probably 'Poverty Line' by Good Boy.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Jen Cloher - Strong Woman
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Yothu Yindi - Treaty
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I work in a bar/live music venue so I get to see gigs all the time which is mad, TFS played last week and their Divynlys cover rel got me.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Sydney's coming good now in a big way, but obviously putting on shows got a bit trick there for a bit. So I gues it's all the promoters/bookers and venues that went out on a limb to create a new scene for bands to thrive in Sydney.
What are your plans for the rest of 2019?
Tour with Picket Palace for Feel Good Summer will see us through till December, then we're gonna release another song for ya!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Ocean Sleeper!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
The music really started when we were working together on previous projects, some of them fell apart so we were in this position where we had an opportunity to start something together.
From then it was mainly a process of figuring out what we wanted to write, then write a bunch of it until we we’re happy. Our starting goal was always to be a heavy band that people that may not listen to heavy music could enjoy. Really zoning in on strong choruses that contrast well with heavy parts
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Mainly just life, but it can be anything. Our songs lyrically touch on negative feelings and darker mindsets. We can take that and express it in a positive way through our songs.
I know a song on our record was inspired entirely from a harmonic note I heard stan play, from that moment the song kinda wrote it’s self, the vision just happened - that song is called ‘Killing Me and was the first track written for the album.
What can punters expect from an Ocean Sleeper live show?
A party. Our main aim is to have fun. We really strive to make sure everyone in the audience is vibing along with us so the the show is from the stage to the back of the room. Everyone involved and having a great time! Things usually get pretty crazy. Our last Brisbane show someone proposed to his partner on stage, so that was pretty wild! When we played a festival in Taiwan Karl nearly got electrocuted when he was climbing the stage scaffolding mid set.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Dream On Dreamer have always looked after us and given us great advice/ guidance. It’s always been important to us to make as many friends as possible and do as much networking as possible.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Young Lions with 'Help' and Hellions with 'Smile'.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Graace and her track 'Last Night'. But from USA, La Dispute with 'King Park' needs a mention!
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
The Getaway Plan with 'Where The City Meets The Sea'.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Gravemind and Mirrors in Melbourne and both absolutely slayed it!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Gippsland / Melb music community that inspire you!
Gippsland/Melbourne has some insanely good bands which makes the bar high! There isn’t a lot of musicians coming out of Gippsland but this just means you really got to push it to stand out with Melbourne and Australian acts. Our friends in Mirrors are doing great things and our friend Josh Cashman is also making big moves! Knowing how much work you have to put in to break into the Australian music scene from a rural area no matter what genre it’s just great to see others getting the deserved results.
What are your plans for the rest of 2019?
Our debut album drops November 8 and we will be touring Australia shortly after in support of that which we are really excited about! Tickets are moving really fast so it already looks like it’ll be crazy! Once that’s over we will start planning our 2020 out. This year we were flat out with shows and festivals so try to keep travelling our music around. This year we played our first over seas festival in Taiwan so hope to head out of Australia again for sure!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Hazlett!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I've realised my music comes from some kind of self-therapy. I tend not to open up that much and always wrestled with being a bit of an introverted-extrovert so writing became a way to clear out my head a little. Everything really sonically clicked after I met this guy Freddy in Sweden. We spent a winter in Stockholm writing, digging through sounds, making homemade wine in the studio and managed to find something. Somebody once said it sounds a little Ray LaMontagne with a synth or KOL on valium. I'd love to believe that but those shoes sound a bit too big to fill, so for now I'm just happy for people to hear it.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
People. I feel like I'm always flicking through a bit of a rolodex of memories and moments with people in my head and I lean on that all the time. I've written songs about an ex who wanted me to quit music, my mum telling me to chase music, about singing karaoke with Lindsay Lohan and drunk strangers at a bar in Brisbane to name a few.
What can punters expect from a Hazlett live show?
I'm a really visual person so when I started this all I had a dream of the live show being a slow burn with three acts. Playing the first EP solo, the second as a duo with my drummer and the third with a full band. I want it to be a sort of time lapse of what I've gone through creatively. I'm currently in the duo phase so I'm dying to get the rest of this second & then the third EP out in the world.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Nobody really cares if you don't go to the party. Courtney Barnett. It seem a little tongue in cheek, but seriously people need to look after themselves out there and not feel the social pressure as much. If theres a dream you're chasing and you need to work on it on the weekend do that or if your batteries are drained there's nothing wrong with taking some alone time.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I'd lip-synch Affirmation by Savage Garden until you're overwhelmed by positivity or I'll do my best David Le'aupepe and dance to Let Me Down Easy by Gang of Youths until I get a laugh or you beg me to stop embarrassing myself.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I cry weekly listening to Odettes like a version of Magnolia. I made people listen to it on the tube at 2am once. Also Radio Silence by Gretta Ray, that song kills me.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Depends on the vibe of the room. I feel like the safe crowd pleaser would be Horses by Daryl Braithwaite. For a vibe generator About This Thing by Young Franco. But really I'd want to destroy a dance floor with The Door by Silverchair.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I'm back overseas at the moment so it's been a while but the last one I saw was the day before I left. It was a songwriting competition at Black Bear Lodge hosted by Listen Up Music, a charity for mental health and music. All these artists from all over Queensland got up to sing about mental health and in particular healing, it was so beautiful. There was an act called Collie that I think you should keep your eye out for.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brissie music community that inspire you.
Austen is a one woman powerhouse. Akurei is a dreamboat. Golden Vessel blows my mind with every new sound he finds. The guys from MTNS are doing a bunch of different side projects which are exciting. What Mallrat has been doing all over the world is insane. Trina Massey made the leap into politics which is a pretty inspiring and selfless move to be a voice for alot of us. To surmise, so many people beautiful people doing so many great things.
What are your plans for 2019?
My oldest and one of my most favourite songs comes out next month which is causing a lot of sleepless nights at the moment. Hopefully folks enjoy it along with the rest of the EP and I can come back home for the summer to play more shows. I'm a little homesick at the moment.
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Western Sydney artist, A.GIRL!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I like to think my music is different and that I don’t follow trends. My current sound comes from a fusion of the music I listen to and my feelings in the moment of writing my songs. My sound is constantly evolving, as the more I live and experience, the more music I create, the more new layers will be added to my songs.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Healing is definitely my greatest inspiration. Music has helped me express emotions in a way that no other form of expression could do.
What can punters expect from an A.GIRL live show?
LIVE SHOWS FOR ME ARE LIFE. I like making people feel connected and especially making them dance, I even like it when they do the stank face lol. Seeing someone feel the same way I feel from a lyric or even from a bass line is something really special. The same vibe my audience can feel during my show, is the same one I have on the stage with my band. We’re very tight, basically family. My younger sister does the BVs, my guitarist has been my friend since year 5 (we met at our High School’s Open Day) and we all went to High School together. We love sharing this experience.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
‘Be good or be good at it' - it’s my mum’s life motto. She always says that no matter what you do, good or bad, or even something risky, go all in. It’s the only way you won’t have regrets.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Elastic Heart’ from Sia ft. The Weeknd. This song will put a smile on anyone’s face!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Uppers & Downers’ from Isaac Puerile. This song can make anyone cry or is it just me?
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Ridin’ Manu Crooks’ mood forever.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The Area movement: This event was amazing! I often go to live music events and gigs to support artists, which usually means that I have to travel from South Granville into the city centre. The Area Movement took place in Parramatta, which meant that it was five minutes up the road from my house! WE NEED MORE OF THESE EVENTS IN WEST SYDNEY.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
The current Sydney female music scene is very inspiring to me #YTG (yeah the girls!): Milan Ring, Bea Moon, Temgazi, Lara Andallo to name a few. I can’t leave out the boys Cult Shotta, Free Souls and Manu Crooks, who are putting Sydney on the map. There are many more Sydney artists who inspire my music, but there’s no room to name them all!
What are your plans for the rest of 2019?
At the moment I’m focusing on writing catchy vibes with a few producers and other artists, but I also want to do more live performances, because my band is currently on fire! My plans also include looking after my physical, mental and spiritual health and cross off my list some of my 2019-2020 goals: Reaching 100K streams on Spotify, do triple j’s ‘Like A Version’… ‘wink wink’, get more international things popping for 2020 and overall be a good human being.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Dave Winnel!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I think something that is unique to me is that I don’t just have ONE sound. Each track comes out depending on how I’m feeling at the time or where I’m ´at´. For instance ´Smoke Machine´came across because I know I needed to make a BANGER for the clubs. It´s exactly that, a club track. Ksmail tho was written from my Airbnb in Albania, right on the water. I could literally see 180´of ocean while writing the track, and you can hear that in record.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Listening to loads and loads of of different genres from classical to trance, to pop, disco and taking elements from each of those and injecting it into my own music. Also, as above, location is also very inspiring to me.
What can punters expect from a Dave Winnel live show?
A lot of thow backs, a lot of party shirts, a lot of good vibes, a lot of fist pumps.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
My Mum. She tells me this all the time. ¨life is short, do what makes you happy and never do anything you down want to do¨.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Powderfinger with 'My Happiness'.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
The Temper Trap with 'Sweet Disposition'.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Horses'? by Daryl Braithwaite. NO!! I don’t actually have that on my USB. Empire Of The Sun with 'Walking On A Dream'.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Sydney Symphony Orchestra perform at the Opera house. They played the soundtrack of Star Wars - The Force Awakens while the movie was shown. Absolutely incredible experience. Sooo much talent in one room, and John Williams score is a masterpiece.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Three guys I’ve always looked up to in the Australian scene are, James Frew, Bass Kleph & Tommy Trash. Then always encouraged me to push harder and go beyond. Mad respect for them!
What are your plans for 2019?
Apart from the usual club gigs around Aus for the summer and making a shit tone of music… I plan to go to the beach more because I’m disappointed in my beach efforts last year.
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