discover new australian music

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

My music is soul, R&B and hip-hop. I’m obsessed with love songs and exaggerated emotions. My music is confessional, it comes straight from the heart. I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember, and have always been obsessed with interesting sounds, so my style has been evolving since childhood. My Dad always used to play a lot of soul music, and I definitely think that’s contributed to way I write music. I like to pay homage to the “old”, bringing those elements into the digital era. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

I write about my life experiences. I get inspired by moments and feelings and I turn them into relatable narratives, often with a cheeky spin. Love and lust are my biggest inspirations, sometimes my low moments too, but I always try to keep things positive. Sometimes my music is about how I want to feel, and who I want to be. At the end of the day, music is just my favourite form of self-expression and story-telling. 

What can punters expect from a Ms. Thandi live show?

You can expect an inclusive environment, somewhere you can get in touch with your sensuality, dance freely and enjoy listening to music that makes you feel alive. Also some jokes in between songs because I think I’m funny.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

Some advice I’ve always valued comes from my parents, they always remind me how important it is to surround yourself with people who are positive, inspiring, and don’t bring you down, because at the end of the day you become who you surround yourself with. 

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

I would have to say ‘Be The Love’ by Adrian Eagle - a big role model to me. It is such a joyful song and always lifts my spirits when I hear it. It’s the perfect reminder to always be the love in your life, even through the difficulties we experience.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

I would play ‘Wiyathul’ by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. It’s such a beautiful, iconic song, and always gives me goosebumps. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

This was a no-brainer for me, I’d play ’24k’ by my fellow Zimbabwean sis Tkay Maidza. Absolute banger. I’ve been bumping it since I’ve heard it. She’s a huge inspiration!

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

The last gig I was at was one I supported - Bread Club at Mary’s Underground last month. It was fabulous. I’m unbelievably happy that venues are starting to open up again. Live music is everything! 

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

In the local music community, I’m most inspired by all my fellow young women of colour who are simply killing it and really transforming the Australian music scene. Boss women. GLO, Maina Doe, RISSA, Becca Hatch, Lara Andallo, Saskia, Billymaree, A.Girl, Maya Hirasedo, Liyah Knight… to name a few!

What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

I’m a BIGSOUND50 artist this year so that’s super exciting. There’s also more gigs on the way - I’ll be playing at a Young Henry’s event on November 13th at The Bank in Newtown. I’m working on an EP at the moment so there’s more music and visuals on the way… but I won’t give too much away ;)

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

In the beginning, I was heavily influenced by jazz music. I absolutely love artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Amy Winehouse. Over time, I started to experiment more with my sound (which at first I found pretty difficult). When writing my debut EP ‘Stellie’ and collaborating with so many unique and talented producers/ songwriters - it really helped me explore my sound more and more. At this point, I feel that this EP is the most accurate representation of my ‘sound’ right now. But i’m not afraid of change - I want to push the boundaries and keep it interesting. I want my sound to grow with me as I develop more as a singer/ songwriter.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

I like to describe the way I write music as an ‘exaggeration of my everyday life’. My life isn’t always that interesting, so I just like to push the boundaries on it a bit more. I just love to tell stories (whether they are completely accurate or not - it almost doesn’t really matter). Like for many people - music is a form of therapy for me. Letting your thoughts and emotions run free for a bit is so soothing and relaxing. I'm constantly inspired by the people I surround myself with and the stories that people share with me, or stories that I read. Even just captions on photos - or just really interesting and beautiful photos can be so inspirational when it comes to my writing - its almost like i’m trying to put the picture into words.

What can punters expect from a Stellie live show?

I like to think that when I play shows - its almost like bringing magic to life. There is such a rush that comes with finally getting to play the songs that you’ve been holding so close to you for so long, to people that actually really want to hear them. Stellie shows are very wholesome I think. I love my band, and I know they love playing with me too and it really shows. I always have the most fun on stage and really try build that connection with the audience. I also almost always manage to chuck in a cheeky cover during my set (at the moment it's Britney Spears).

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

‘You are not in control of other peoples emotions’ - I cant remember where I found this quote, I think I read it somewhere once and it’s stuck with me ever since. It especially relates to the way I like to make music. I don’t want to tell people how to think/feel when they listen to the songs I write - I want those feelings and thoughts to be pure and completely up to the listener.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

‘Its Nice to Be Alive’ by Ball Park Music

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

‘Knuckles White Dry’ by Gang of Youths

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

‘Holdin On’ by Flume.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

TEENAGE JOANS! It was actually the first live gig I’ve seen in about 7 months and it was absolutely insane. I honestly couldn’t stop smiling all night.

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible and inspiring musos every day. There are heaps of talented musicians in Adelaide, I’m almost spoilt for choice. I spend quite a bit of time with the EAST AV3 boys - those guys are some of the most hard working and dedicated people I know. My bandmates (Max and Jarrad) are so incredibly dedicated and are an absolute joy to be around - as well as Jess Day, Timberwolf, George Alice, Mane and so many more.

What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

2020 has been an absolute whirlwind of a year in so many ways. I guess my plan is to just take each day as it comes. If I can play some more live shows that would be so fun - but one things for sure, there’s definitely lots more new music on the way.

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

Being brothers we’re pretty lucky in the sense that we literally developed every aspect of being a musician together. We learned guitar together, found our new favourite bands together and wrote our first songs together. As we grew up, the music that we loved at the time always left some mark on our ‘sound’. Slowly those influences have all blurred into one and we’ve ended up with something that is our own. We had a really intense writing period last year where we ended up with 80ish demos. Most of them are trash but we experimented like mad and developed our sound so much because of it. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

Wow that’s a tough one. We listen to a looot of music, so when we come across a song that just blows our minds we get super inspired to write a song of that calibre. The type of song that makes every other song you’ve listened to that day sound dull. Know what I mean? It’s almost like the search for the holy grail trying to write that type of song -  maybe one day. 

What can punters expect from an Alt Fiction live show?

We had a bunch of shows lined up around our first single ‘All My Friends’ but due to the pandemic… well you know what comes next. So we haven’t actually had our first show yet - but we know for a fact that when we do, it’ll be a damn good time! 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

Can’t remember who said it but it always stuck! ‘If you’re not nervous it means you don’t care’. Now we embrace the nerves before all the scary stuff.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

Recently heard ‘Under The Thunder’ by Skegss on Rage at like 1am and that track (and music video) has gotta cheer anyone up.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

We don’t recommend trying to make someone cry, but if you have to - DMA’s track ‘Delete’ is the right place to start. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

Is there any other choice? It’s gotta be ‘My People’ by The Presets. Absolute ripper. 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

It's been so long :( Nothing recently but we did catch Kitschen Boy’s Instagram live set which was sick! Thank God for the internet. 

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

We’re super impressed with Ivey who’ve consistently been upping the bar in our local scene! We played a show together years ago in a library that next to no one came to, so we basically just performed our sets to each other and it was actually a real good time. We were psyched when ‘Midnight’ got added to rotation. Good on 'em!

What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

Praying that we can hit the road before the year is over! We’ve got some good stuff under our belt that we’re keen to get out into the world sooner rather than later. Until then you’ll find us in our bedroom trying to write that smasher. 

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

I would describe my music as moody folk. I've always had a love of melancholy. Growing up I was drawn to film scores and the atmosphere they created. I also listened to a lot of emo music at school. Vocally I admire singers that use their voice emotively and in an interesting way - I think artists like Sigur Ros, Regina Spektor and Elizabeth Fraser have influenced my vocal style. I love performances when it's just a singer-songwriter with their instrument and voice. I'm trying to lean into that minimalism and intimacy and to trust my intuition.
 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

Quiet time, walking, nature, conversations and strong emotions.
 

What can punters expect from a Bec Sykes live show?

Me playing piano or guitar and singing sad songs.
 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

"You'll probably still feel anxious pursuing the things you want to do, feeling anxiety isn't a reason not to do them." - My psychologist

Also, "Be kind to yourself when you write." - Ainslie Wills

 
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'What's the Deal with David?' by Oh Pep

 
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'If You Call' by Angie McMahon (in a cathartic way)

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

'Absolutely Everybody' by Vanessa Amorosi

 
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I think it was Alexander Biggs, Ruby Gill & David Western at Common Rooms back in Feb. It was my birthday and I sat at the back in the corner and closed my eyes, it was the perfect introverted sad girl party. Seated gigs are my fave gigs.
 

Tell us about the bands or people in your local music community that inspire you.

There's so many! Some of my favourite Melbourne artists are Gaia Scarf, Charm of Finches, GraceJean, Low Key Crush and Half the Andes. They all have incredible voices/harmonies and they write clever songs and grab my heart and twist it in the best way.
 

What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

I was lucky enough to win the Josh Pyke Partnership which involves a grant, so I'm planning to record an EP with the grant funds.

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

So far my sound has developed through a combination of personal experience and what influences I have. Through trial and error and experimenting my sound grows. I wouldn't even say I have actually found my sound yet, along the journey you develop habits in your writing and eventually most of your productions start to have similarities. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

To be honest, aside from finding inspiration through music itself. I learnt through being an artist for a long period of time, my biggest source of inspiration is through balance and happiness in life. If my relationships are great, I feel stable as a person, I'm eating well etc - then I maximise my creative flow. If some days I don't feel it, then I don't force it, maybe I go for a big walk or see someone I care about and through that, I've triggered my inspiration. 

What can punters expect from a Tina Says live show?

It's simple. To dance and have a good time! 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

From my dad he said, "to always aim higher then what I think I'm capable of as I'm likely to come close" 

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'EMBRACE ' by PNAU.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'One Crowded Hour' by Augie March.

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

'My People' by The Presets 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

The last gig I went to was the first show of my 2020 tour which was actually in Margaret river. The turn out was huge for a small-town event, the vibes were high. Loving the fact all the young new club-goers new the tunes! 

Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth music community that inspire you.

Slumberjack, ShockOne and Jeremy from Lab six - since the beginning, these guys have inspired me, given me the time of day and had me in their studios teaching me valuable production knowledge or industry insight! Without them, I wouldn't be where I am! 

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

When I was 5 or 6 my Dad bought me a guitar and took me to this independent teacher who encouraged me to learn Bob Dylan songs! Ever since around that age, I started writing songs, they didn’t really make sense back then, but I had that obsession with trying to fit sequences of words together and tell a story. I listened to, and played a lot of, the Alessi Brothers and The Beatles growing up too. A lot of their songs influenced me to write upbeat acoustic melodies. I have always resonated with artists that have arranged words and music in a way that is powerful in conveying a certain feeling or message, so I try and do the same!

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

For me, I would say it’s definitely the way I process the world around me. If something strikes a nerve with me, it will trigger me to write and tinker around on my guitar. It could be an overheard conversation, something I have seen that has affected me or people discussing their life and relationships.  Just watching how the world works and the irony of it all. Sometimes I catch random trains or buses just so I can watch different characters or see a different landscape to write about. I always carry a little notebook on me.

What can punters expect from a Harper Bloom live show?

Well after a couple of years of playing solo acoustically, I formed my full band at the start of this year with three really talented musicians! They really help bring the songs to life. It’s quite energetic and upbeat. I like to see people up and dancing and singing along. There are a couple of slower and reflective songs too. I also like to tell little stories about what inspired the songs, but in the end it’s just awesome to watch people enjoy your music and make it their own.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

It’s this great quote by Anne Hood. It’s to give it the “rocking chair test”. Imagine that you’re 90 years old sitting on a porch and rocking on your chair as you reflect on your life. Will you regret doing it or not doing it, pick the decision you can live with and have no regrets in your choice. This quote always helps me when I’m on the edge of making a choice. It encourages you to just go for it, and I guess you can apply that to music pursuits and just general life.

 What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

I really love 'Southern Sun' by Boy and Bear! It has this really hopeful sound to it and makes me feel like I’m entering a new chapter every time I hear it.

 What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

Julia Jacklin’s ‘Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You”. I weep every time, it’s like The Notebook in a song. Then according to recent times, my girlfriend will be in a random room crying to the beauty of Angie McMahon and Leif Vollebekk’s “If You Call” (in a good way though).

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

It would have to be 'Dumb Things' by Paul Kelly. This reminds me of Saturday nights on Rottnest Island, what a beauty!!! 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

The last local gig I went to was one I was supporting haha. It was right before Covid-19 restrictions hit in late March. It was Fletcher Gull’s EP Launch and Trace Decay played too. Both Fletcher and Trace Decay are really talented performers with big and vibrant indie anthems. They both have really tight bands and were incredible to see live.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.

I think there are different elements from all types of musos in Melbourne that have inspired me. I have learnt equally important traits from buskers at 2 am on Bourke Street as I have from established artists selling out the Corner Hotel night after night! Melbourne seems to live and breathe music and art, so I think that inspires you to be the best artist you can be. Also, I am a big fan of Courtney Barnett, G-Flip and Vance Joy. These are three amazing Melbourne artists that I think really developed their unique sound and showcase their individuality with extremely captivating live shows.

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

In the beginning of really taking interest in music I mainly wrote for the sake of writing and gathering my feelings rather than from a sonic point of view, so I didn’t really mind how it how it sounded if I was able to kind of ‘let everything out’. But as I grew with the music I definitely took reference from a large portion of artists. The developing process happened very naturally, though I did have a few hiccups of me listening to other people my age, such as Billie Eilish and constantly questioning myself as to why I didn’t sound like her. Which there is a pretty obvious answer to.. I don’t sound like her because I am not her. I had a few people surrounding me really pulling me out of that. I definitely went through a large period of hating everything I created but I guess that comes with being an artist. I think I haven’t reached my full potential at all yet, I’ve got a lot more growing to do musically and personally (hopefully physically as well.. I’m too short for my liking) but I’m pretty happy with where I’m at now.  

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

The problem with this question Is that there are so many possible answers!!! But honestly it’s the chance to tell stories, to reiterate how I’m feeling, to show people how much I care or don’t care. It’s my way of communicating to my friends how I’m okay or I’m not okay or how much I love them. I’m god damn awful at explaining my feelings, I always think I’m telling someone directly how I’m feeling and then I replay the conversation over in my head and it’s just a large mess of “um’s” and “er’s” and vague sentences finishing with “it’s just like that you know..” I make no sense. Sometimes I’ll sit my partner down and just say “listen to these lyrics” and she’ll get more out of that than an actual conversation. This didn’t start out being the reason I wanted to make music, I started writing at 12 because I wanted to be the next Taylor swift (lol) but this is definitely what keeps me from filling in the other half of people’s conversations in my brain. 

What can punters expect from a MAY-A live show?

What you can expect from upcoming MAY-A shows is a mixture of an overly energetic 18 year old with the funniest nervous energy honestly. I’d like to think I’m the charming-kind-of-dork. For example, on the first show of the wafia tour I dropped my guitar twice (managed to save them both) and tripped over the chords on my pants on the third show I began to laugh at how many times I said “I hope you like it.. please like it” haha and the show I played with Tyde Levi a girl handed me a tiny plastic baby so naturally I decided to ask the crowd for blue tack (someone actually had some which was impressive yet questionable) and I stuck the tiny baby to the microphone and kept him there for the rest of the show. I really enjoy performing but sometimes I question if it should be a comedy act. There are some really beautiful live moments when songs like ‘fools paradise’ and another unreleased track come on, people do the whole arms-swaying-phone-torches-out thing and it’s a really pretty sight from the other side. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

The best musical advice I’d gotten was from my manager about a year into meeting him. I was really struggling with constantly comparing myself to everybody else in the industry. It was stupid, I was just feeding into my insecurities. But he told me that in horse racing, when the horses run the jockeys put blinders on the sides of their heads to stop them from being distracted by everybody else and simply run the race. He told me to treat the music industry like that, instead of being distracted on how well everybody else is doing just be gracious and kind and focus on your own shit. It helped me a lot more than I’d expected it would. 

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

 I’m a big advocate of listening to sad music when your sad, I think its healthy to sit with your feelings and let them marinade (that song is also amazing, marinade by dope lemon) but Julia Jacklin’s ‘someday’ like a version is so good. I actually did cheer someone up with this song before by forcing them to slow dance with me haha. 

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

Oh easily, 100% ’Shark smile’ by Big thief, when you listen to the story behind that song and read the lyrics properly that song will undoubtedly make you cry, yet weirdly it has that beat that makes you want to dance. That song makes me so sad yet so grateful of everything I have. Truly incredible. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

‘Used to be in love’ by the Jungle Giants. Don’t even need to think about that. Something that everyone knows would be ‘Robbery’ by Lime Cordiale.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

The last gig I went to (excluding my own) would be Cavetown at the Factory theatre. It was all acoustic and the crowd was different to many of the other shows I’d been to, everyone was laughing and listening to him talk, it was very intimate. I surprised my friend who absolutely loves him by driving her there. She cried. It was a great show. 

Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you

Honestly almost every person I meet inspires me. My friends continue to shock and surprise me. I’d introduced some of my closest school friends to the studio that I went to a lot, some of them began writing too and they’re just incredible. I’m really excited to watch them grow. But in terms of looking up to someone, I’ve loved watching mallrat grow, as well as some smaller artists such as Chris Lanzon who I’ve known for a few years now and Nick Ward who’s songwriting I really admire. Ruby Fields is definitely a fun person to follow as well. Small Australian Artists honestly all make me excited. 

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

Our music has come a long way and it’s funny because it’s actually changed quite a bit since we started. Initially we were inspired by a lot of indie rock artists like Snail Mail and Mac DeMarco, before we got into slightly heavier music by artists such as WAAX, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins and Wolf Alice. These are some of many artists that inspire us in our song writing and the tones that we use, but more importantly to find our own unique sound, just like they have. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

Hmm, this is a tough question! Individually, we both find inspiration from lots of different things. Sometimes it’s a character from a film or a book, writing from their perspective and using our imagination to get in their head. Sometimes it’s our own raw and personal experiences, or things that we’re living through - different social issues we care about. But the biggest source of inspiration is probably when we both get together, whether that be starting a song from scratch or working off material one of us has brought, and really vibing it in the practice room. That’s where we take the idea, whether it be lyrics, riffs etc., and turn it into a Sputnik Sweetheart song.

What can punters expect from a Sputnik Sweetheart live show?

Lots of energy! We move around loads on stage and always change things up a bit. You can also expect terribly awkward banter. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

Early on, we were given a really great nugget of advice - always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

Stella Donnelly’s like a version 'Love is in the Air'.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You' by Julia Jacklin. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

'WUTD' by Genesis Owusu.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

ARGGGHH TRIGGERED! It’s been so long since we’ve been able to go to gigs, the last gig that we went to together was probably when Amyl & the Sniffers dropped by Canberra. What. A. Show.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Canberra music community that inspire you.
The other bands in the Canberra music scene that continue to inspire us include our friends Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Moaning Lisa. Both of these outfits continue to push the boundaries with their music and are always so supportive and friendly! LOVE YOU ALL!