discover new australian music

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! 

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

Music and songwriting is a really personal experience for me which usually works around a lot of introspection and self analysis particularly lyrically. It all starts in my bedroom with just me and a guitar and then I build on the sound scape around that base of the song with the band. I guess the sound developed from transitioning the more singer song-writer  / story telling elements of the music into an indie/alt rock production. We try and make sure the sounds and performance reflects the emotions of the lyrics, which means it can often go from very soft and quiet too loud and fast.

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

For me the greatest source of inspiration is my internal processing of my surroundings, whether its the mundanity of everyday life or some of the deeper experiences like love or grief. A lot of my writing seems to look at how I identify with those experiences and how the shape who I am. Its all a pretty organic experience and I’m usually figuring out what I’m saying whilst I’m saying it.

What can punters expect from a Noah Dillon live show?

Lots of dancing, lots of energy, lots of emotions and lots of synchronised guitar ticks. Hopefully our shows can walk the line of reflective and soft whilst also having parts that are fast and euphoric. 

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

Probably from my dad, his a strong believer that if you want anything enough and you try hard enough you’ll get to where you want to be. Music is something that I want to do more than anything in the world so I guess I hold that message pretty close to my heart and want to just keep writing and playing until we get to the place I want to be.

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

'It’s Nice To Be Alive' by Ball Park Music… I used to listen to that song everyday on the bus to school and I never cried on the bus! 

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

'When The Family Flies In' by Julia Jacklin…. I’ve cried too many times to that hehe.

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

'Beds Are Burning' by Midnight Oil… Simply so I can dance like Peter Garrett behind the decks.

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

The last gig I went to was actually Nannup music festival which we played at. It was probably one of the funnest gigs we’ve done. Such a big vibe, i've never seen 16yr olds to 70yr olds all on the same wavelength dancing to music.. old people are crazy.

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

I'm inspired by so many people in Perth it’s insane. Firstly Sam who plays guitar in my band writes some of the best songs ever in a band called cosy. My best mate and housemate Ryley lays it down, ol mate Jack Davies is a songwriting machine who I used to play mandolin with. Broderick Madden-scott who recorded our first EP and is the brains behind ‘Haircare’ is a genius. Watching Stella Donnellys career has been so huge and inspiring for me. Carla Geneve, Albert from ‘New Nausea’, Fraeya, Siobhan Cotchin, Spacey Jane, Grievous Bodily Calm, Dulcie THERES TO MUCH IT'S ALL AMAZING AND INSPIRING!! 

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.