discover new australian music

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

I developed my sound by meeting lots of new people and living in the U.S for 3 years. Living in the U.S exposed me to the blues, bluegrass and rock. Some  of my favourite records are Leadbelly (The Rough Guide), The Best of the Kinks, Ash & Ice The Kills, Animal and Amy Whinehouse Back To Black.  I developed my sound by making changes in my life to spark excitement and inspiration and by that i mean being a little more open minded to possibilities and sound. Travelling a lot as a child and now to places like Vietnam, London, italy, Paris, Barbados, the U.S has changed my perspective of the world. Getting to know myself personality wise, spiritually and 100% emotionally plays a huge part in my sound. I’m hungry for knowledge and new ideas. I think my music thrives on things that jolt emotions, ideas and lived/living experiences. 

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

My spirituality, peoples desires, stories and travel. I love describing A feeling or an experience in a story like manner. I’ve always liked how something can be beautiful and ugly. There’s no light without without the dark there has to be balance. 

What can punters expect from a D'Arcy Spiller live show?

Ah, me tapping into some under the surface shit on a higher level. The tracks you’ve heard so far have been in a way very therapeutic to write. 

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

Ah there’s two good ones. 1. My mother told me to find myself and know myself first before putting someone else’s needs before yours, but to never loose yourself. Ya know do the things you’ve always wanted to do and let know one hold you back. 2. My dad said not in so many words but more in action.. Don’t be afraid to put weird or different out there basically. Explore and get as much knowledge as possible. 

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

'You Are My Sunshine' OR 'We’re All Going To Die Someday' by Kasey Chambers. There’s humour in playing that song when sad or down. 

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

Aw thats harrrd!! 'Where I stood' by 'Missy Higgins'. Every bone in my body wants to say 'Story' by Brandi Carlile but she’s american though. 

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

'San Frandisco' by Dom Dolla 100%. 

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

I went to see a friend of a friend perform a duo. It was really cool to see the community supporting local artists. 

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

I love that most are open and down to talk about the weirdest shit and share their stories. Some are shy to say what they mean but even they eventually open and blossom. Melbourne is an amazing city full of an eclectic mix of people. 

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

Our music is commonly described as psychedelic rock. This is pretty accurate when describing our live sound as we pretty much use a classic rock band set up (Electric Guitars, Electric Piano, Bass, Drums) but we run those instruments through effect pedals which add a psychedelic twist. We obsessed with guitar pedals even before we formed the band, so when it came to the first rehearsal, we instantly started experimenting with what cool sounds we could get! Since then we have just narrowed down the effects to ones we really love and now they are a big part of our sound!

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

Bands we look up to have always been our greatest source of inspiration for making music. Whenever we record, we are always referencing recordings from artists we love. The artists we look up to are definitely responsible for inspiring us forming the band in the first place!

What can punters expect from The Lazy Eyes live show?

Punters can expect a classic rock band set up with a psychedelic twist, a little bit of moshing and a mix of rocky songs and love songs, most of which aren't released (except for two) lol.

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

Off the top of my head, our high school music teacher Mr Miller told us to enter YouthRock band competition. At the time, we were beginning to get a little bit less motivated towards the band as it wasn't really making much progress. We were lucky enough to take first place in that competition which gave us the boost of confidence we needed and since then, it feels like the gigs have gotten much better haha.

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

Duncan by Slim Dusty. This song cannot get anymore Australian and it never fails to put a smile on my face.

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

Sweet Disposition by The Temper Trap. There's so much emotion oozing from this song. It can make you cry from happiness, sadness, nostalgia and probably more. It may have jerked a few tears me..

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

Shooting Stars by Bag Raiders. I challenge you to stay still when the beat drops in this song. Impossible.

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

It seems like so long ago with all this corana chaos but I think it was at Marly Bar (The Marlborough Hotel) to see Ultracrush. Really great local band and they had an awesome support called Bones and Jones who are from Melbourne who we hadn't heard of before. It's always great to discover a band by being impressed by their live set.

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

Successful bands that come from around our area such as DMA's are inspiring because they put into perspective what's possible. A local band who is inspiring is Raindrop who have a really good eye for detail. Every part of their product (i.e music videos, webiste, album art, etc.) are super quality and it made us realise that even if you are a local band you can still reach out and collaborate with established film makers and artists etc.

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

My sound used to be very simple, two dimensional and easy to listen to in any situation. It wasn't until my lyrics started reflecting personal stories and emotions that I began making the music sound more complex and harsh to match the story I was trying to tell. So I suppose my sound developed with the more stories I collected and with the expansion of my musical abilities, which has happened relatively slowly over the past 5 years. 

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

As morbid as it is, my greatest source of inspiration is heartache. But not just 'person breaks other person's heart' kind of heart ache, it can come from so many other things. Like I had heartache when writing 'Swim' - yet no one had necessarily broken my heart. And heartache when I wrote 'Second', yet that's a song I wrote knowing I made someone else feel heartache. It's all from a yucky feeling, but it's very refreshing to channel it and write something that makes me feel a bit less yucky. And I like to think that you can feel and hear the discomfort in the music. 

What can punters expect from a Hope D live show?

You can expect me with high energy, jumping on stage with a stupid smile on my face. And lots of beers, and a fair bit of swearing.  

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

My friend Monica Kim graduated from my school when I was in year 10. She was also a musician, of which, I crazily admired. She always frothed my music even though (at the time) my nerves usually took over when I played, which made my performance pretty rough. She said something like 'With every 7 no's that you get, there will be one yes. And that yes will be enough to keep you going'. And that's something I really got to experience in my later years of getting more serious with music. Some people won't get around what you do - and that's okay! Because the people that do get around it, REALLY get around it. And the love from that one person means so much, that it feels like it is love from 7 people :) If that makes any sense haha. Monica really inspired me to do what I love, and what she said has literally stuck with me for 6 years, and I'm sure will never leave me. 

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

Okay I'm going to say Nicotine by Sycco. It boosts my mood and energy levels by 100000% every time. 

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

1000 Sundowns by Emma Louise. Such a beautiful and sad song, my friend Emma Parke agrees. 

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

'Solid Gold' by PNAU. My girlfriend introduced me to that one, it bloody gets me GARNNNNNNN.

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

It was Dulcie at The Milk Factory in Brisbane's West End! I am so unable to explain how freaking good it was. It The Dulcie girls are so talented and beautiful and so LOVELY! It was the last thing I was able to see before all the gigs stopped due to COVID-19 too, so I'm incredibly grateful that it was such an entertaining and wholesome gig. Had a bit of PCD after it, still do actually. 

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

Honestly too many to name, but I'll touch on a few! Hallie is a dear friend of mine, her drive and the way she is unapologetically herself is so inspiring to me. Sycco for obvious reasons - she is a boss a$$ QWAIN and will rule the world one day, I won't be mad about it. I love Pink Matter so much, their music is incredible and the girls are so lovely! They warm my heart, and make me want to learn jazz scales - which I WILL. First Beige are so groovy, I want to be as cool as them when I grow up. Bridget Brandolini's music is so soothingly beautiful, her writing is very inspiring to me. There are so many others that I go out to see, I was able to see a few bands per week, I can't wait to do that again. Brisbane and the local family is so dazzling, brilliant and supportive, it's so nice to have!  It literally feels like we all came from the same womb ahhah that's so gross to say but I'm going to leave it there.

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

I normally listen to music and dissect other artist's songs, and list things I love about about them. If I love the sound of their bass line for example, I’ll mix it in with other things I find to make my own song! It’s all about putting everything I love into one piece. 

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

(Same answer as the previous question).

What can punters expect from a Mia Rodriguez live show?

I have this character in my head of who I want to be, and you can see this in my music videos. I want people to experience a true performance, of a true character. I want to bring back the art of visually entertaining people, while singing of course. Kind of like a musical.

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

My mum always tells me to not care what other people think. She’s always been supportive by letting me be my own person. I was bullied a lot for being different. But in my opinion, caring about what people think shapes you into this unbelievably boring person! Wear what you want, be yourself. People are uncomfortable with what they don’t understand, and that’s okay. 

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

Billie Eilish came to Sydney a few months ago. She was super cool, she has such good stage presence. I always get so inspired by live performances. I just think; gosh, I wish I was up there! 

What are your plans for 2020?

My plans for 2020 is to make music, and keep growing. I’m super excited to perform live as well. Also working on my mental and physical health of course. Gotta have those self care routines! 

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

Pool Party on the Moon vibes with lazer light beams and blow up flamingos, set in the 90s. We are often trying new things and shifting things to see what works etc. We've been listening to a lot of Beck and Jungle Giants, so we've been moving towards a bit more of that and playing around with Synths and Keys. We've all been mucking around with that in the last year or so which has put a new thread through everything. 

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

A bit of everything. We've all got day jobs and that experience makes its way into the songwriting and also drives us to make music. Those photos taken from behind the drummer/band looking out to a crowd at festival or the like, or hearing a song that connects with your emotions or taste really well is also pretty inspiring, but seeing a band live that really connects with you gives us huge drive. We just want to make music that'll have an impact with the people that listen to it. 

What can punters expect from The Moving Stills live show?

A bit of hair, good pair of sunnies, a shaker or two... and maybe a few Flower T shirts in the crowd.

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

Some of the best advice was from Ollie of Lime Cordiale, It was along the lines of, just to keep going and to keep at it. Feels like that’s been pretty key and will continue to follow that.

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

Marinade by Dope Lemon or Feeding the Family by Spacey Jane are pretty uplifting tracks we think.

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

Maybe So We Know By DMA’s or Seaweed by Hockey Dad, there’s a lot of heart in these tracks.

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

Pizza Guy by Touch Sensitive

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

The last local gig we saw was Kim Churchill at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford, was a great vibe and he’s legend.

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

Everyone’s sort of chipping away doing their thing and when a gig is on it feels like you’ll see people from all different bands there. There’s been some cool bands/Artists from the Central Coast that have done some inspiring stuff like E^ST, Ninajirachi, Winterbourne and Something With Numbers to name a few.

What are your plans for 2020?

We are currently working on a bunch of tracks, looking to have an EP out around mid year and a single or two before hand. We are also heading out on a Co-headline Tour with our friends Teenage Dads through March and April which will be a heap of fun.

Meet this week's Feature Artist Agung Mango!

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

My music is forever evolving and still developing each day. The music I make depends on the mood im in and on whatever stage of life I’m at. I lean towards soul/ rnb beats, although, have a guilty pleasure in making super raw emotional guitar tracks. Each serve their own purpose. Once my music leaves my computer, it’s for the world and my listeners to use at their own discretion.

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

Inspiration hits different all the time. I either bait my friends into giving me their deepest hurts and secrets so I can write some emo/empowering lyrics, or it’ll be a song I hear that I’ll want to try and create the same vibe. Places and things (like food, obviously) have inspired me in the past.

What can punters expect from a DVNA live show?

We’ll be getting to know each other. Crowd interaction is one thing I love to do. Partly because I love to chat, and because I want to break that wall between audience and stage. Connect on a more personal level and create an experience they will remember.

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

Just do you! And when you’re hit with inspiration for a song, it’s like a gift you’ve been given to share with the world, as if it’s almost a duty. Think about the audience who NEEDS to hear what you have to say. It is your job to capture it, honour and respect the gift you’ve been given by allowing it to exist and not trying to force it into any direction it’s not. This was from some random old guy that sat next to me in a restaurant one day. Hit hard.

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

'Chameleon'. by PNAU.

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

'Innerbloom' by RUFUS DU SOL.

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

'Untouched' by The Veronicas

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

I saw my friends Hot Coffee play on the Gold Coast. Those boys always know how to put on a show. Quality night!

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

They’re a friendly, talented little bunch. We all know and support each other due to the coast being quite small. They all actively participate in community events, always make an effort to attend each other’s shows and offer advice when needed! I love those guys.

What are your plans for 2020?

I plan to play LANEWAY (thankyou Unearthed). Release a couple of singles in lead up to my debut EP and follow with a few more exciting things!

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.