Meet this week's Feature Artist Stevie Jean!
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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
View Profile Hide Interview
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!
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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!!
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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!
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
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.
View Profile Hide Interview
This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Jervis Bay, Unearthed High finalists and this year's Yours & Owls comp winners, Debbies!
Tell us about your music and how did you dvelop you're sound?
We like to think our sound is bright and jangly and sorts of stuff like that. We developed it from drawing heaps of inspiration from artists that could make big sounds such as DZ Deathrays and Violent Soho but then we really frothed the energy and pace of Skegss sides of things so we draw from heaps of stuff. Our greatest source of inspiration in making music has to be just going out and experiencing everything we do together but with a song wrtitng lens on. It’s pretty funny going to parties with each other then by the end of the night having a new song that we have wrote about the stuff we’ve liked about it and stuff we’ve hated. Also we love drawing in the area of Jervis Bay to our inspiration cause it adds a bit of sentiment to it which is sick. If you're expecting a ‘all went to plan’ performance then you're very wrong, we have so many problems and stuff ups but the crowd seems to love it but the energy is always present haha. Definetely a more pissed crowd and a more pissed Debbies is a funner show thats for sure haha.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Best advice we have gotten is probably from Robbo’s dad, something like “don't let your heads get big” kinda reminds you not to take it too seriously and that we just love making music for how much fun we have.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Definitely 'Down Under' by Men at Work, gotta put on a song that's going to keep the dance floor pumping let's be honest.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'My Happiness' by Powderfinger definitely gets us in the feels. Ever since music classes in Year 8 we have frothed it and always chuck it on, I reckon you could get someone to cry from it easily.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Last local gig we went to was at the Husky Community hall, it rarely has any gigs on but this local punk band Rat Coffin was playing and we still look up to them heaps. It’s sick to see how the older guys do it and take ideas for our own shows its punk as. We really want to pack that place out one day, it would mean alot to us.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Jervis Bay music community that inspire you.
There’s only really one band that inspired us to kind of kick off our push for a music scene in the Jervis Bay area and that was Rat Coffin. We went to a gig before we were even Debbies and they just made Robbo and I get so keen to record and start playing shows.
What are your plans for 2019?
For the last end of 2019 we just want to enjoy it, we are finishing up school at the moment then getting right into it at Yours & Owls festival then jumping on the Surf Trash ‘Friends’ tour on the Melbourne and Sydney leg. Hopefully a new single lies on the horizon before the end of the year, which we will then dig into our first EP for hopefully early-mid 2020!
View Profile Hide Interview
Meet this week's Feature Artist East Av3!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Chelsea Manor.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I think triple j said it best when they referred to us as their moody siblings diary brought to life, I guess we’re kinda like a bag of starburst party mix but instead of sweets it’s a mix of emotions. We were playing in a band together called The Skategoats, so I guess on the end of that we started to own our craft a little more and really find our own sound and place.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The greatest source of inspiration for making music, I think comes from our everyday life and experiences. In my case it’s very easy to tell what I’m going through at the time based on what I’m writing about. As for the music side, we draw our inspirations from everyone around us making music.
What can punters expect from a Chelsea Manor live show?
A lot of mistakes? Haha nah a high energy set, catchy choruses and some questionable dance moves coming from Ivan our bass player.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It’s gonna sound cliché but the usual treat people how you wanna be treated, it’s really easy to be in your own space and not see how your actions can be affecting those around you. My Dad taught me that. Also I remember reading something that really stuck with me “It’s so easy to not like something without putting it down” and every since then if I’m not really into the style or it’s not my thing I’ll find the positive in it.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Out of Luck’ by Loser, I’d go by my mates pick them up chuck this track on in the car and just drive!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘I’ll be fine’ by Larsen but it’s not let sit down and cry, it’s like lets chuck the track on, headphones walking in the rain screaming the words at the top of the lungs kinda crying.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Safe To Stay’ by Towns, because how GOOD is that track?! I can just see everyone screaming the “time goes on, whether I do or not” in the middle of the floor.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was actually our local Battle of The Bands, which was wicked because we have such a large community of musicians and it’s always great seeing each one of them up there on the stage doing their thing.
Tell us about the bands or people in the SA music community that inspire you.
Where do we even start haha there are so many people doing great things and we all play our part. I think anyone out there giving it a go is inspiring. !e’re always keen to see new bands or new music. Just watching people grow and own their craft is amazing.
What are your plans for 2019?
We’ve got shows booked in until early November, then we’re back in the studio (The Alamo) with Tyson Fish & Aaron Damon (Captives) to finish off our debut EP ready for 2020. More shows, more music and lets see what we can do with it.
View Profile Hide Interview
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist and this year's Bigsound comp winners, semantics!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We started off the same way most young punk bands do. Lots of Green Day, Against Me, The Menzingers etc. We were all high school emos. That has always played a part in our sound, putting us on the melodic, emotive side of punk more so than the chordal, political origins of the genre. The sound is still developing as we grow. We listen to grunge, hardcore, folk, dub reggae, trance, world, blues, and lots of country. It’s fun to listen to what people outside of your immediate genre are doing that makes them special.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Listening to more and more music every day. In recent years, the online accessibility to new obscure music is so cool, we can digest music from all over the world and sift through music we otherwise never would have found. More people are pushing boundaries and saying goodbye to genre “norms” and that is super inspiring to us. We never feel like we’ve got to stick to a certain concept.
What can punters expect from a semantics live show?
Lots of yelling, lots of headbanging, a couple of tears and way too much fun! Energy is what makes a show, so we won’t always play our parts perfectly, you can listen to our tunes at home and enjoy precise recordings, but we aren’t sacrificing a punk rock performance for that. I don’t think its what people come to our shows for.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice we have received is to barrage Unearthed with our activity. Our incredible friend Luke Morgan stressed the opportunities we could gain if we took this seriously and let the curators know we exist. Since then, no one has reciprocated our efforts better than triple j and Unearthed.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I’d blast the entire Novos album by The Gooch Palms. I break out in dance every time I listen to it. There’s something about the surfy, punk reinvention of The Misfits, The Ramones and Elvis Presley ballads that is just irresistible.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Boys Will Be Boys' by Stella Donnelly is a tearjerker. The lyrical depth and intensity tied in with her sometimes delicate delivery and belting vibrato is almost too much. Incredible song, gives me the shivers every time I play it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Easily 'Broken Leg' by Blue Juice. Most underrated song of the 2000’s.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Half of us went to the Waax album launch at the Triffid, all we can say is… wow. Insanely energetic band with mountains of talent and fresh musical ideas, they’re a band we really look up to.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Brock Weston (drummer of Bugs and producer at Bedlam) is an infinitely wise and creative individual with great taste and pure enthusiasm for music. Bugs in general are a pretty incredible group. They have given us a hand spreading the word about us and are one of the most talented and deserving groups in the country. We’re also head over heels for Voiid who are long-time friends of ours. Seeing them grow and kick milestone after milestone so unrelentingly is so inspiring and so much fun to be around.
What are your plans for 2019?
We’ve got our gigs booked up for the rest of the year with some amazing bands (Press Club and Lazy Susans notably) and we’ll be writing new tunes in the interim! This year has been hectic already, we want to keep the ball rolling and hit 2020 prepared for even more action!
View Profile Hide Interview
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, EGOISM!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We make dreamy emotional guitar pop. Real "headphones on the train" music i think haha. We developed it pretty gradually. We just listening to a lot of 90s shoegaze and then mixed it with a modern indie pop sound.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Don't need inspiration! It forces its way out of us, whether we want it or not.
What can punters expect from an EGOISM live show?
Our live shows are pretty intense. We get super into it. You should come with your best friend and just hug them the whole time.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
From my friend Mia. "If writing cheesy pop songs makes you happy then just just do it. Who cares if it makes you uncool to sad indie boys?"
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
This is literally our brand omg. No, but we'd probs play "Sugar and Spice" by Hatchie. It's just so upbeat.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Lily' by Moaning Lisa. I legit have to avoid listening to it in public.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Depends on the vibe but I'd say 'Figured Out' by Alta or '4ever' by The Veronicas.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Brightness in Surry Hills. It was incredible but it was a very quiet sit down gig and there was this very annoying couple just screaming at eachother about text messages half the time lol.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Ultracrush for pure songwriting genius. Shady Nasty for for total live intensity. Julia Jacklin for just incredible work ethic and always being so grounded and nice to talk to. Not just saying this, but Unearthed as a staff and an institution, there's just nothing like it in the whole world! We're very appreciative hahaha.
What are your plans for 2019?
Going to Bigsound!! And then just heaps more recording and writing and playing live and all that good stuff you know.
View Profile Hide Interview
