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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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, The Terrys!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our music is really a combination of what we all like listening to (The Cure, Jamie T, Will and the People, Violent Soho, Skeggs etc.) and being able to combine ideas into one to make our sound. It began with just acoustic guitar and vocals and has now turned into a 5 piece Surf Rock band with Brit Pop influence.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Lola Scott!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
The more I worked with different producers I gradually learnt the lingo and started producing more myself. I think my sound developed as I grew more confident in voicing my opinions and knowing how to explain what I was hearing in my head. I also found friends that I love working with and who I feel really understand the direction that I want to take my music but also allowed me the freedom to explore different avenues within alternative/indie pop. I was always a guitarist/songwriter first so since I started this project I’ve always felt confident with writing harmony and lyrics, but learning how to produce sparked a whole new love for creating and collaboration. I love the feeling of going into the studio with nothing and coming out with something you never could have imagined before you started writing it or the idea that if you tried to recreate it you never could.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Guitar. I’ve been playing since I was 8. I’ve never been great at practicing set pieces because I always end up day dreaming whatever I’m practicing into a new song. Hearing different harmonies will set the mood of the lyrics straight away & then I’ll just write words until something makes sense to me & feels like it starts telling a story.
Also finding new artists I love and hearing things that my friends have made makes me want to pick up my guitar and write. I love sharing unreleased tracks with friends and hearing what they have been making so we can inspire each other with new ideas for production or talk about lyrics etc.
What can punters expect from a Lola Scott live show?
DRAMA. Lots of mood swings. Recently I’ve been bookending my set with my moody double A side ’the night i ran away and tried to sleep at the skatepark’. My upcoming EP ‘1/4 life crisis’ brings a bit more cheek and I’m sometimes joined by dancers. You can also expect some A+ banter (my mates laugh occasionally). My guitarist will give you the best stage jumps & my drummer shakes his floppy mop head.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
'People aren’t worrying about you being perfect on stage, they just want to get amongst you vibe! The more fun you can have, the more the crowd will be into it so just go for it and don’t worry if you f**k it up' - Bronte Public House.
Or if I’m ever stressing over something to do with music, my Mum will remind me ‘you chose this career because it’s fun, so remember to enjoy it otherwise what’s the point, you may as well get an office job’.
You didn’t ask for it but here’s my advice:
'You can learn something from every person you meet.'
I think this especially resonates in the music world. Every time I work with a different songwriter, producer or musician I learn a lot even if the collaboration doesn’t gel well I always learn something from the session.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Wake Up Call' by Mel Blue
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Paint You While You're Still' - Rees Lucia
(Pretty cruel to cheer up someone who was crying and then make them cry again, so careful which order you play those tracks baha)
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Don’t Need You' by Genesis Owusu or 'Naked' by Pleasure Coma depending on the time of night.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Does my own show count? Just gotta tell you the supports were sick. Two of my best buds and collaborators Beso Palma and Jerome Blazé absolutely stole the show.
I also saw Abby Bella May play recently and jumped up for a song we wrote together. Her band sounded so tight that I started messaging my band saying we need to rehearse like right now. (lucky for me they are also v tight <3)
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I’m surrounded by way too many talented friends who make music so here’s a playlist of some local shredders:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4mEs4rChA21DTfeI6QywjR?si=9lLc5tSTRj6lxFXDsctSyw
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Lemon Myrtle!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My music's always changing, and at the mercy of my emotional approach. 'My sound' is probably my voice, because that won't change. But musically I'm stoked to try out everything. So far reflective, herbal teas, and maybe more intellectual movement. But lately I've just felt like dancing so i've been making more groovy, black coffee, body boogie beats ya know? What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music? People! Friends, strangers, conversations, interactions. Also justice, feeling part of something bigger, and the good earth.
What can punters expect from a Lemon Myrtle live show?
I'm not super sure yet, but definitely stories and chats and warm feelings :)
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Oh man, so much! My friend Rob told me "veggies need to be eaten, and songs need to be heard." And Uncle Kev who I love lots reminds me that "self belief is different from egotism," which I really appreciate. I often come back to these when I'm feeling anxious about sharing stuff.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Singing Makes it Better', by Formidable Vegetable. Bc it really does.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Persevere' by Gang of Youths.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Boyyyy that Centrelink hold music is popping!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
My most recent and first ever gig was organised by WAFA, and I got to support Not Just Charlie, Chief Monkey, The Nomadics and John Butler! It was SOOOOo fun Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you. Charlie Mcgee from Formidable Veg and Not Just Charlie has known me since I was tiny, but just recently we've become friends haha! He's been the hugest support and encourager. He sings about all things permaculture and community sufficiency, which is super cool. He loves to be and play music with as many people as he can, because why not? He's fun and lighthearted but not shallow at all, and I really admire that approach to performing, and to life! Big love Charlie.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Keep makin' music, start my social work degree, I'd love to have another EP out this year, & I'd luuurve to do some collaborations !! :)))) If you're keen to make something together hmu x
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, PRICIE!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My greatest source of inspiration is truth, the reality of my life and the truth that it carries is a very strong starting point to everything. The lessons and blessings haven’t failed me yet.
What can punters expect from a PRICIE live show?
The expectation from a PRICIE live show will hopefully be acceptance and pure positive energy where dancing is the only key and understanding is the door.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice I have been given came from my father, he said always know where you came from and what you are doing! It has helped me not only re-evaluate my stance in life but also strengthened my love for where I came from - the struggle and joys.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
The Australian track I would play first 'too dang good' of course and then any song by Tkay Maidza or Sampa The Great - that queen energy is bound to get anyone up and out of their feelings.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I would play a track from the beautiful Liyah Knight called 'Tipsy'.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'too dang good'! followed by anything from Genesis Owusu.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local gig I went to was at a pub and it was soo fun, it was a karaoke night and everyone sanggggg.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I am inspired by amazing musicians around me especially Thando if you have never seen her live I don’t know what you're waiting for! Best experience!
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
My plans are honestly to buckle down and write more fun tunes and connect with other wonderful musicians and create more content in preparation for 2021 and the rest of my life hahah.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Freesouls!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our sound is the result of the three of us being strong personalities with our own individual musical tastes, coming together and learning to take the best parts of what inspires us and mixing it together into something greater
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
As we’ve matured as artists and as a crew, we’ve started to look to ourselves for inspiration, always looking to build and improve on what we’ve done.
What can punters expect from a Freesouls live show?
Hectic vibes. Jumping, yelling, partying without judgement.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“Believe in yourself, trust the process, and work hard” from our manager Malek.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Send It' by Hooligan Hefs
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Still Stressin’' by Huskii
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Time Off' by Freesouls
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We opened up a show for our brothers Cult Shotta at Oxford Arts Factory. It was a seated show but the energy was mad and people had to constantly be reminded to sit down.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Aus music is popping rn so there’s a lot of inspiration around us. First and foremost we gotta shoutout our boys MRVLS, Tzantza and Boy who are artists in their own right but also help us to create our own music. Our manager Malek is a huge inspiration and voice in the underground hip hop scene for years. To add to that we’d say Gravy baby, Voke, Kerser, Huskii, Triple One, Cult Shotta, Elijah Yo, Biggs and A.Girl just to name a few. There’s too many people to name which just speaks to how hard the Sydney music scene is going.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
We have a single dropping Feb 26th which will be the second single off our upcoming tape ‘DRILLSOUL’ dropping May 28th. From there we’re gonna keep grinding in the studio for the next project and tour as soon as possible.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Hotel!
The music I make is a culmination of my influences that I have grown up listening too. I do my best to always try to keep it innovate through bringing together genres that may not have been paired before.
The sound developed through trying countless styles and by playing and learning from musicians and friends around me who have really inspired the music I make.
I look to always be developing my sound and can’t wait to see what my future influences will do to change it.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The ability to conceptualize a feeling or thought-through soundscapes and the lyrics is what drives me to keep moving forward with it.
What can punters expect from a Hotel live show?
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all" - Peter Tudehope (Dad)
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'No More Words' by Sui Zhen or 'Breeze' by Jermango Dreaming.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Wind it Up' by Mumbo Jumbo or 'Kelly' by Van She.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I haven’t been to a gig for a while now I think it might have been Pitch Festival where I saw Maceo Plex, Stephan Bodzin and Skin On Skin, HNNY and Hiatus Kaiyote.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I am really inspired by local acts and friends like Jermango Dreaming, Uncle Boy, Dives, Prince Maton, Triple One, Goons, Noah’s Room, Hector Gechan, Johnny Hunter, Jonas Nichols, Thomas Gray and Liam Ebbs. All in their own right just make music which is from the heart and has all their own unique flavours in it.
I also am inspired by other creatives in the community like artists and writers and even the artists that make food at my favorite restaurants and cafes.
I love to see people not giving a fuck about what other people think and following their passion. This isn’t exclusive to creatives either. My friend Mitch is a finance guy and he really is passionate about it and he kills it. Seeing people get something out of working hard and doing what they want gives me courage to stay true to my course.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Go to the beach as much as I can. Read a book a month. Write a book every three months. Release and write more music. Eat more lollies and find myself on more dance floors.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Groovy Daughter!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started writing in 2017 when a school friend approached me with a project he was making for his sound production diploma. In the beginning, my sound was pretty heavy and very influenced by Hans Zimmer. His music was always something to cry to for me and I wanted my sound to give me that same release. Now that I have been able to manage my mental health a lot better my music can now reflect that. The inspiration and empowerment I feel from listening to soul is creeping its way into my writing process. I feel almost a sense of relief that I am able to make music like this, because it sounds like happiness to me, which means that I'm happy...
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I think it's a tie between my own journey with mental health and powerful female soul voices, Think Erykah Badu, Kaiit, Celeste etc...
What can punters expect from a Groovy Daughter live show?
Well before it was pretty stripped back and intimate, mostly just myself. But now that I feel myself leaning into a more distinct sound I'm ready to add some finger slappin bass (shout out to Brodie Breidthann for that beautiful bass in 'Harsh') and soul-fuelled drums.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It was actually from a therapist I see. She always reminds me that my music and this journey is for me, I'm here because I enjoy it. I often find myself overwhelmed with what people will think or say, or like or hate about me and my music, so to have this reminder in my back pocket really keeps me grounded.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Miss Shiney' by Kaiit. I LOVE EVERYTHING SHE DOES.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'When The Lights Are Out' by s.wells. His voice is mesmerizing, one of my favourites in the Canberra scene.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'No Other High' by Touch Sensitive & Electric Fields.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Does it count if it's online? cause the Love Divide Sessions from Kirkland were insane <3
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Canberra's music scene is something else. The excitement and support from everyone to everyone is something to be so proud of. The pride is huge and we all wear it with honour. Citizen Kay is always someone who inspires me, his open mind and incredible creativity makes his studio a very safe space to just experiment and try new things. Billy Bianchini from Warm Water is also someone who inspires me, he has been able to make the whole process of creation to release an incredibly seamless and surreal experience. He and his team are amazing at representing and supporting the Canberra scene.
What are your plans for the rest of 2021?
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Liyah Knight!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
All of my music is different, but all of it still feels like me. I'd like to think by the end of any given track there's a different perspective being offered. In terms of development it's just been a matter of experiment; writing a bunch of shitty songs before figuring out the right way to convey a message lyrically/sonically.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Feelings and experiences that make me feel present or stuck.
What can punters expect from a Liyah Knight live show?
Grade A energy and a healthy amount of dad jokes. I have really long limbs and people often don't expect it, so yeah heads up there too.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"You might as well be present, because that's all you have right now"
Someone actually dropped this gem at a party a couple weeks ago and it's my new favourite (bathroom line friend, if you're reading this, thank you!). Super obvious advice but I feel like sometimes it's so easy to forget about being present in the midst of future plans and past events!
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Final Form' by Sampa the Great; that intro alone is triumphant enough to pull anyone out of a solemn slump.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Ha! The power of music. Stevan did a cover of 'Ain't No Sunshine', which I can guarantee will make you cry.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
I am the most shameless hype person so I am playing all my friends' music, kicking it off with 'Throw it Back' by Manu Crooks and B Wise.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I saw Boy Soda at the Soda Factory and he kicked a speaker off the stage. It was sensational.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I'm lucky enough to work with a lot of people that inspire me. Diesel is a great role model for any young musician. I think society sells us this narrative that drug use and partying is an integral part of the creative process, so to be in a session with an OG Australian musician sipping kombucha and making bangers, it's eye opening/gives me some perspective.
Also places like the Lord Gladstone in Chippendale, and a Little Lagos in Enmore. These places are like extensions of the music; places that show genuine and ongoing support for local artists.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
Sweet f*** all if I'm being honest. I feel like I haven't seen my family in a hot minute between work and sessions, so probably just bug them all summer!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, STUMPS!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Outside of touring and playing, I would have to say finding common ground in our musical influences was massive in our development. It’s a blend of indie-rock and dance-rock, contrasted by some unsmiling themes. It’s our way of figuring out the little joys and sadnesses of life together.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My environment, my friends and their stories. I am fortunate enough to live in a beautiful part of Sydney. However like any suburb, there are lots other things bubbling away, under the surface. The good and the bad both serve as inspiration for our music, often interwoven in the same song
What can punters expect from a STUMPS live show?
Lots of energy and lots of love. We have always put all our energy into our live shows, maybe sometimes it superseded the performance quality in the early days. Nowadays we are trying to bring the right amount of energy, passion, as well as ensure the performance is tidy too!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Go all the way" — Charles Bukowski
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Zimbabwe' by New Navy
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?
'Since I Left You' by The Avalanches
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was actually our own show at Mona Vale Park House, to launch our debut album ‘All Our Friends’. It was such an emotional night. It was a sold-out show and the room was filled with our most cherished friends and family, all celebrating the release of the album. It’ll be a memory I’ll never forget.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you?
There’s honestly too many to name, so I apologise to those I omit, but the few that come to mind are Dear Seattle, Johnny Hunter, Clews and Droves.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
There’s not a whole lot left of this cursed year, so, with any justice, we’ll be dancing all the way into 2021.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Alter Boy!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our sound has been developed organically by hearing and deaf band members. Naturally we are drawn towards low tones, bass and sub and heavy drums (music we can hear and feel). We combine heavy bass tones with a choiresque little altar boy vocal. We also use a lot of pitch bending in our tracks, which is a testament to our gender bending.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Our inspiration comes from all of the other deaf folks who come before us who have had their own passionate relationships with music, from wanting to challenge the music industry and to denounce traditional ideas of what it means to be in a band, and from our fierce passion for activism in queer deaf spaces.
What can punters expect from a Alter Boy live show?
Audience members can expect to see trans and disabled bodies in celebration, accessible venues, wild costumes, mad performance art, blasphemy, and hot Auslan creations.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice we’ve been given comes from one of our Deaf mentors who told us to look after our candle. Operating at the intersection of Deaf and hearing can be taxing and we need to take care of the little space we have created at the centre of it all.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Feeling Higher' by Priscilla
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Boys Will Be Boys' by Stella Donnelly
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'DFTM' by Cry Club
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Ghost Care in Fremantle. Such fun.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Our Deaf community - our teachers and elders - give us a lot of inspiration and support to keep going, to do better and to grow into ourselves as young deaf people. We connect with a lot of mind blowing Deaf performers and activists. A group called “Deaf Hype” showcases some of our latest and greatest.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Bad/Love!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our music has really fluctuated since we started in June 2019. Our debut EP 'SIOIS' was written in 2018 when I felt a calling to start writing music again after a hiatus. At the time I was falling back in love with the emo music I grew up on (Saosin, My Chemical Romance etc) and it was really hitting a chord with me. I really wanted to put a modern touch on that sound I loved so much so got to work creating Bad/Love with producer Callan Orr and our friend Marcus Bridge helping with vocal production (we bonded over the idea of an emo revival and he has always understood what I was going for). After a year of looking for the right musicians to play with, we formed and put out 'SIOIS'. After a few months together we started to come together more and combine our writing skills to create something a bit different to the origin, but something that feels a hell of a lot more Bad/Love. We've continued to work with Callan & Marcus whilst adding Beau McKee (Drum Production) & Forrester Savell (Mix/Master). We feel our team really helps pull the best out of us as songwriters and performers.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
When everythings gone, music is really all I have. It's what drives me each day. I constantly have to have music running to act as a soundtrack to my life to keep me calm and happy. I feel the most "me" when I create. It's a very therapeutic process for me. Our peers inspire us daily. We are blessed to surround ourselves with some of the most talented people in the country for alternative music and when they create something, it calls me to do the same.
What can punters expect from a Bad/Love live show?
Our live show is one of our favourite parts of being a band. Expect a lot of theatrics, crazy lighting and everything turned up to 11. We really like to creative an immersive live experience people can really get lost in.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Chris (#2) Barker from Anti-Flag once explained his views on an album to me and it changed the way I view my music. He talked about how a record is exactly that. We leave behind a record in time that people can come back to. You are leaving your mark on the world. So say what matters to you at the moment. Write what influences you at that time. It has really let me not focus on writing "what's hot" and write for me. It let's me be more honest and accepting that not everything needs to be perfect, it just has to be true to me at that moment in time.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Figure Eight' by Trophy Eyes. That always makes me smile and feel empowered.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Brilliant Blue' by Agnes Manners. It brings me to the point of tears every time I hear it, which makes it especially hard to play sometimes.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Fire' by Peking Duk. You show me a person who doesn't want to dance to this track and I'll show you a liar.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
This is really testing my memory given COVID. I believe it was actually our tour with The Brave & Sleep Talk, we actually had to cancel the final Brisbane show due to lockdown.
That was a super fun tour, in fact our first tour. We have so much fun with The Brave and the Melbourne show in particular was super special for us.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Northlane, Polaris & Alpha Wolf are continually carrying the flag for heavy music in Australia. What both bands have achieved in their careers are amazing influences and both bands are so lovely. Greyscale Records have been doing amazing things and are growing so rapidly. Tom Johanessen at New World Artists has to be one of the hardest people I've ever met and he always makes me want to work harder, his ethic and results are INSANE. Finally our manager Jase Clarke (No Honey), he has really come into management in a big way and is helping inspire us daily to be the best we can be.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
This Sunday we are super excited to FINALLY be hitting the stage again for a few sold out shows at Stay Gold to support Beyond Blue, a great event organised by What We Did On The Weekend. Besides that, we have new music to finish putting together for a release next year that we are extremely excited about. There is absolutely no slowing down for us and we are very excited for 2021.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, FELIVAND!
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Flowers & Superpowers’ by Wafia. THAT CHORUS.
